Chemical Manufacturing’s Three Main Challenges in Industry 4.0

Posted on April 27th, 2017 by Matt Weber in Chemical Manufacturing Excellence

Chemical manufacturing is being transformed by Industry 4.0. Today’s chemical companies are quickly adapting to the digital world, recognizing the power of “connection” among products, production equipment and personnel. But with transformation also comes challenges. Some are specific to organizations and depend on where they currently stand regarding technology, operations and resources. Other challenges — such as meeting standards and implementing best practices — are issues that all companies face, and are key to maximizing partnerships and collaborations.

The new white paper “Industry 4.0: Top Challenges for Chemical Manufacturing” presents three major challenges that chemical manufacturers need to address right now in order to stay competitive. These areas that will require special focus include the Internet of Things (IoT), actionable information, and standards and best practices.

When components of a chemical manufacturing organization — equipment, products and personnel — are connected, the amount of data produced is enormous. This data overload is the result of Industry 4.0’s reliance on the IoT.  Yet it’s useless unless converted into actionable information. Transforming data into actionable information, however, requires both the right technologies and the right people. The right technologies include systems with analytical and visualization capabilities that enable predictive manufacturing, technical problem solving, process design and hazard analysis, environmental impact mitigation as well as energy efficiency and safety. The right people are those who can take on more strategic, coordinating and creative activities. This is because as simple, monotonous processes become automated, other processes become more complex and intertwined. As a result, companies will require people with higher-level skills to handle complicated processes.

Transitioning to Industry 4.0 is both a challenge and an opportunity to grow, connect, streamline and build your chemical manufacturing value chain. But awareness is the first step to addressing some of the key components. Now is the time for chemical manufacturers to take stock of their current status and create a strategy to adapt.

Read the white paper to find out more about how today’s chemical companies can address key challenges and move forward into the era of Industry 4.0.

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All opinions shared in this post are the author’s own.

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Matt Weber
Senior Manager of Strategic Segment Marketing - Chemicals

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