DI 'Industry 4.0' Event: Catching the right wave

In the ever-evolving landscape of industrial innovation, successfully positioning your company involves identifying the core problem, leveraging keen insights, developing a solid action plan, and selecting the right technology. I had the privilege of discussing these strategies at Dagens Industri’s ‘Industry 4.0’ conference in October, alongside industry leaders such as Helena Hedblom from Epiroc and Rickard Gustafsson from SKF.

Dagens Industri 'Industri 4.0 Event'

I had the opportunity to deliver a keynote presentation, lead a breakout session together with AWS, and join a panel discussion with Petter Bedoire, SAAB’s CTO, to explore the technologies poised to transform Swedish industrial companies in the future. It was an inspiring day, filled with valuable new insights.

A key takeaway from the event is the critical importance of reliable green energy in these transformative times. The availability of such energy presents tremendous opportunities to leverage data in preparation for the electrification era. I urge companies to identify and initiate the necessary processes now to be ready when electrification becomes mainstream. Summarizing my key recommendation: the necessity to rethink our strategies around technology adoption and data utilization to successfully navigate the changes ahead.

1. Start Small and Scale 

While some advocate for a "go big or go home" approach, when it comes to leveraging data for predictive analytics, starting small is often more effective. Rather than getting stuck in extensive planning for large-scale projects, focusing on smaller, manageable initiatives can deliver quicker and more scalable results. The key lesson is to utilize the data you currently have, rather than waiting for ideal data conditions. This strategy enables a company to achieve real-time adaptability in production and operations, enhancing responsiveness across the board—from supply chain management to customer engagement.

2. Problem First, Technology Second

Technology should be a tool, not a tyrant. In an era of vast digital solutions, the real challenge lies not in acquiring technology but in applying the right technology to the right problems. Before jumping on the AI bandwagon or integrating the latest blockchain solution, it's crucial to identify the core issues you need to address. Ensuring that there is alignment between the problem and the technology guarantees practical application and avoids tech-driven distractions. By focusing on the problem rather than the technology, pilot projects will have a genuine business case for scaling, rather than being just another fleeting trend that garners a few likes on LinkedIn. My keynote highlighted five critical areas of change that all industries must address to remain competitive and sustainable in the rapidly evolving global marketplace.

Evolving Business Models

B2B relationships are increasingly mirroring B2C dynamics, with suppliers now expected to deliver timely and flexible services as needs evolve. This shift towards B2C behavior also means that clients are less loyal. The adoption of subscription models exemplifies how businesses are reshaping profitability and customer relationships. Companies must consider the entire lifecycle of a product, as its value extends well beyond the initial sale. Maximizing value throughout the product's lifecycle has become essential.

Navigating Disrupted Supply Chains

Flexibility within companies is becoming increasingly critical as disrupted supply chains challenge traditional logistics and production schedules. The ability to adapt and source components promptly is essential, along with integrating environmental considerations and omni-sourcing to navigate evolving regulations such as the ETS.

The Automation Paradigm

Humanity has always expanded its capabilities through tools and technology, and now we are entering an era where automation enhances our thinking and decision-making processes. AI is at the heart of this transformation, integrating into every aspect of operations to boost efficiency and adaptability.

Harnessing Data for Green Transformation

As we advance further into the era of sustainability, understanding and reducing CO2 emissions at the product level becomes essential. In this context, data isn't merely a tool—it's a necessity. From predictive maintenance to energy optimization, leveraging the right data can dramatically influence energy inputs and outputs, ushering in a new age of eco-efficiency. This goes beyond mere compliance, positioning eco-efficiency as a fundamental component of competitive strategy.

The Road to Industry 5.0

Transitioning from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0 embodies the fusion of human ingenuity with technological advancement. In this new landscape, the synergy between humans and machines can significantly enhance operational excellence. AI-driven decision-making fosters an environment where both employees and automation systems thrive in harmony. When executed correctly, this transition allows employees to dedicate more time to tasks that drive competitiveness and foster innovation.

Predictably boring – our commitment to innovation

At Infor, we don't just respond to technological shifts; we anticipate them. By continuously updating our ERP solutions and integrating AI, BI, and process mining, we ensure our tools are not only current but also predictive and prescriptive. Our session with AWS emphasized being "predictably boring," a concept that, while not flashy, has proven to create immense value. This proactive approach enables our clients to stay ahead of the curve, ensuring their operations remain resilient and efficient.

Looking ahead, our path is clear: we must leverage data more effectively, focusing on real problems to drive actionable solutions. Rather than being swept along by the winds of technological change, we should navigate them with precision and purpose. By catching the right wave, we can redefine what’s possible in your industry.

Catch YOUR wave!