For many stone processing companies, Industry 4.0 is still a book with seven
seals. Even if it seems to be a huge complex of topics, there is no need for any craft business to be afraid of getting to grips with it, because the recording, structuring and processing of all production data in automated production, which is crucial for them, can also be easily set up and put to good use with the help of the software available specifically for our industry.
For the stone industry, Industry 4.0 means having all relevant information available in real time in the office, warehouse and production – thanks to the IT networking of all parameters involved in value creation and the ability to derive the optimum value creation flow from the data at any given time. Self-regulating systems and intelligent control mechanisms are increasingly replacing verbal and paper-based agreements.
Nevertheless, it should be ensured that individual employees can enrich pending decisions with their own knowledge and make decisions based on this, i.e. override the system. If the company is prepared to teach the software all processes and the individual software components communicate seamlessly with each other, IT can master the operational complexity, which increases efficiency. Unfortunately, such conversions – especially within production – initially mean high investments, the amortization period of which often cannot be calculated precisely. Many companies therefore shy away from this step because perfectly functioning processes, even if they are not optimal and no longer up to date, offer security. However, anyone who is determined to move away from the old and tried-and-tested in order to prepare for a digital future should look for reliable advisors and experts and take advantage of the financial support provided by the federal and state governments for Industry 4.0 projects.
Read more in the current issue of STEIN 10/20.