Digital Skills for Industry 4.0

Digital Models

Definition: A central enabler of Industry 4.0 technologies is the use of digital models. These are used both for the transfer of knowledge and information, and also to enable real time modelling of a system such as a machine or factory. It is therefore essential to be knowledgeable of the different types of Digital Models which are used within Industry 4.0 such as 3D Models, information models, digital twins, etc.
Internet of Things

Definition: The internet of things is a technology which is utilised to enable the communication and exchange of information between different devices in real-time. These devices may be machines, tools, operation systems and many more, which are considered to be the elements which make up a production system. Within future production systems the need to exchange information and messaging requests in real-time, hence it is essential to be knowledgeable of the technologies which allow for the implementation of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).
Automation

Definition: To increase efficiency on the shopfloor it is increasingly important to automate processes which were previously performed by humans. These processes range from decision making processes, such as product quality decisions, to manufacturing processes, such as assembly processes. To enable the development of highly automated environments one must be knowledgeable of the technologies which allow for automation of decision making, such as data analytics and production processes, such as robotics or CNC operations.
Big Data

Definition: The use of an increasing number of sensors within smart machines on the shopfloor, or in smart products, which are continuously collecting data and information of their environments, means that a large quantity of data is being continuously generated. When this quantity of data grows beyond the possibilities of either humans or traditional computer systems to analyse within a reasonable timeframe, we refer to the creation of Big Data. It is therefore important to be knowledgeable of how this type of big data may be analysed in order to provide operators and managers with useful information to manage the processes or improve their products.
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Cloud Computing

Definition: The use of cloud computing facilitates both the exchange and retrieval of real-time data and information from the smart products and machines on the shopfloor. Furthermore, it allows for the deployment of remote processing, without increasing the information processing load on singular devices. This makes it increasingly efficient to share services between multiple devices, such as product location and production process information being recorded and collected using RFIDs on the shopfloor. Knowledge of the implementation requirements and different types of setups of cloud computing architectures is therefore required to drive the innovative use of these services within industry.
Digital Design, Production & Marketing

Definition: The journey of a product and production system from the initial stages of design towards completion and use is a complex set of activities. Greater pressures are being placed upon stakeholders to minimise the time it takes to develop a product from the conceptual to development and sales. Furthermore, the digital transformation is also changing the way in which we sell and market products and also the way in which we provide additional services to our products. Being able to understand the different technologies which are used with product design, production and marketing is therefore required to make the best use of these technologies to increase the competitiveness of a company.
Additional sources for further reading: Industry 4.0 and the digital twin
Software Packages

Definition: The increasing use of digital technologies within production and sales is supported by an increasing number of software packages provided by different suppliers, which support different activities within a company. These include software packages such as Computer Aided Design (CAD), Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM), Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR & VR) and many more. It is therefore required to be knowledgeable of the different tools which are available to support the different functions of the production and sales processes and how these interact with other elements of the digital eco-system.
Additional sources for further reading: Digital Orthodontics with Stratasys 3D Printing! (Video)
Cyber-Security

Definition: The increase creation, availability and exchange of data together with an increased reliance on automation means that the security risk associated with such transaction increases if one does not take appropriate measures to limit vulnerabilities within a system. With data being stored within cloud based systems and the connection of industrial network systems to the internet to allow for the use of remote access and services further increases this risk. Therefore, it is essential for stakeholders who are developing and implementing such systems to be aware of the risks but also the approaches which may be utilised to mitigate and/or eliminate exposure to cyber-attacks which may hinder or damage the competitiveness of an enterprise.
Production Management

Definition: To increase a Managers concept of Skills necessary to be an effective Production Manager. Being an effective Production Manager involves a number of skills and Training associated within this unit provides a solid overview of the necessary real-life skills and techniques. It is essential for managers to have a good grasp of various skill sets and we shall look at various topics.