Technology
HOW DIGITAL THINKING IS UNLOCKING 4IR REVOLUTION AND ACCELERATING GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
By Johan Potgieter , software leader at Schneider Electric
Moving at speed towards 4IR , spurred on by climate change and the net zero imperative , has brought immense challenges . akitada31 | Pixabay
With the challenges , we are also seeing industry players becoming more innovative , embracing artificial intelligence ( AI ), cloud technologies , using digital twins , and ultimately integrating data to operate more efficiently .
If anything , the last two years have demonstrated that those companies that are adopting a digital mind are set to succeed .
For one , operational resilience , values-led leadership and datacentric operating models have created new avenues for growth . Subsequently , manufacturing and industrial teams across the world have adjusted to different ways of operating .
Providing more than just resilience , a digital approach helps to overcome logistical disruption and supports generational shifts in the workforce .
Second , industry-specific AI enables companies to work more efficiently . Pattern recognition from digital twins combined with AI and decision support connects systems so people can work in new ways .
Some smart manufacturing factories in Asia experienced this first-hand because of social distancing measures enforced during lockdowns in 2020 . As a result , operations moved to the cloud , and even while functioning remotely , teams safely achieved an increase in productivity .
The lessons learned in those early days of the pandemic have set new efficiency standards that are now being deployed throughout our global network .
DIGITAL THINKING REALISES INGENUITY With many organisations operating hybrid networks , we are seeing an increased movement towards sharing data securely throughout the industrial ecosystem . We call this the connected industrial economy and encourage organisations to adopt this approach to boost efficiency with suppliers , partners , and customers – ultimately increasing the value chain .
According to analyst group Gartner , cloud-based data-sharing is key to integrating working teams and driving the decision-making required to cut carbon emissions , increase profitability , and ensure agility . For example , leading carbon capture provider , Aker Carbon Capture is using AVEVA cloud-based software to design leadingedge facilities capturing carbon dioxide from industrial operations .
By adopting a digital mindset built on continuous innovation , industries can use data-centric intelligence to become more agile and profitable . This digital foundation , enhanced with AI and scaled in the cloud , gives us the confidence to succeed both in today ’ s changing world and tomorrow ’ s sustainable future . RACA
With AI , teams have safely achieved an increase in productivity .
www . hvacronline . co . za RACA Journal I June 2022 59