Advances linked to digital transformation, such as speed, flexibility and efficiency, are no exception for the industrial world.
A process of change that is not only technological but also cultural, as it leads to a series of fundamental changes in the way companies work, as well as in the relationship with customers.
A digital transformation that is based on a series of elements such as a global training plan (including upskilling and reskilling), a reorganisation of the work structure or the incorporation of new professional profiles.
But how does this digital transformation specifically affect the world of industry?
Industrial digital transformation: what is it?
Industry 4.0, framed – hence its name – in the midst of the fourth industrial revolution, involves the integration of different technologies that can create intelligent systems that communicate and collaborate autonomously.
A digital transformation that drives and accelerates the change towards Industry 4.0 by enabling organisations to adopt new generation technologies (such as AI, IoT or automation) and optimise their operations.
How to undertake the industrial digital transformation
Telefónica Tech offers us an interesting practical guide for the digital transformation of the world of industry, which includes a series of tips and steps for this sector to begin the digital transformation process.
To do this, the needs and objectives of this digital transformation must be clarified and well understood, with a focus on the processes and operations that can increase their levels of efficiency and optimisation.
It is also interesting to create a multidisciplinary team that pilots the journey towards digital transformation, with a profile that is innovative, agile, open to change and seeking efficiency and productivity. Among other tasks, they will have to convince the rest of the workforce of the virtues of digital transformation.
They must also promote and encourage corporate culture through communication and training to highlight the fact that innovation and digital transformation are also opportunities for growth, both from a personal and professional perspective.
Culture is the basis for this digital transformation process to be successfully completed with a mission, vision and values that evolve and transform along with the process.
Finally, in some cases, digital transformation in the industrial sector will have to be accompanied by a partner who can help companies in this process.
Stages for consulting on digital transformation in industry
What are the stages that the consultancy should follow to find out how to implement the industrial digital transformation?
- Analysis. From the factory’s own facilities, the points of improvement are diagnosed based on the original situation, the processes and operations or the level of technological maturity of the company.
- Definition and projection of the technology. Once the previous analysis has been completed, the office work is carried out with which the process maps and points for improvement are drawn up, as well as the roadmap to be followed to develop the corresponding technological updates.
- Closure. As its name suggests, in this phase both the results and the conclusions of the previous section are presented, documents that help companies to be able to implement the digital transformation.
- Accompanying the implementation. The consultancy work to find out how to implement the digital transformation does not end with the closure, but must continue afterwards so that the results obtained during the process are evaluated and how to improve the optimisation of these processes is identified.
Benefits of industrial digital transformation
As in other sectors, digital industrial transformation has a number of benefits associated with it. First of all, there is a reduction in costs as time has been saved in the different processes.
In addition, there is a decentralisation process that promotes both mobility and remote communication, as well as improved productivity and efficiency.
Another plus point is that it increases the speed of response to changes in the market, as well as the imposition of a culture of innovation and the improvement of communication processes between different parts of the company.
Among other benefits, it also serves to attract new talent with profiles specialised in new technologies.
Conclusion
As in many other sectors, the industrial sector is no exception: digital transformation is necessary to be able to renew and compete with guarantees in a world where technological advances are the order of the day.
