Manufacturers voice ‘Industry 4.0’ concern
23 Feb 2015
Manufacturing trade body EEF has published research which suggests that 80% of manufacturers in the UK think the next industrial revolution will have become a reality by 2025.
Of the 206 industry representatives surveyed, however, 58% voiced concerns that the UK is in danger of being “left behind”, while only 14% said the UK is readily equipped for a leading role in the uptake of Industry 4.0
Industry 4.0 – a phrase coined by the German government - is a name given to the 4th industrial revolution. Industry 4.0 represents the widespread uptake of advanced technologies such as cyber-physical systems and powerful analytical tools as a means of streamlining manufacturing and production processes.
“We must continue to establish the foundations to support our manufacturing renaissance
EEF CEO Terry Scuoler
“Industry 4.0 is about connecting an increasingly rich and diverse set of information and using it to unlock new insights,” said Pam Murphy, chief operating officer at software solutions firm Infor.
According to the EEF survey, almost 90% said the UK should be taking a leading role in the uptake of Industry 4.0 but cited investment required (70%) and impact on skills (59%) as key areas of concern.
Figures also suggest that nearly 60% of manufacturers think that keeping on top of technological advances will be a challenge.
However, despite these concerns, 69% of manufacturers said the rapid advance in technology will play to the UK’s strength as a high value manufacturer, pointing to benefits such as the ability to produce more bespoke products (56%) and for more rapid and cheaper prototyping (52%).
EEF chief executive officer Terry Scuoler said: “The 4th industrial revolution will change the global face of manufacturing beyond recognition. The UK must take a leading role if we are to realise our ambitions for a healthy, balanced and growing economy.
“The next decade will bring great and rapid change and the early-adopting nations will maximise the opportunities presented by new technologies and thrive as a result.”
Meanwhile, almost 80% of those surveyed have called for the government, industry and academia to work together to secure the UK’s role in Industry 4.0.
“Our sector’s ability to remain on top of the 4th industrial wave hinges on the decisions made now and over the next decade by consecutive governments,” Scuoler said.
“We must continue to establish the foundations to support our manufacturing renaissance, particularly alleviating the pressure that Industry 4.0 will place on investment and skills. It is vital that the government steps up to this challenge and works hand-in-hand with manufacturers and academia to ensure that the UK is not left behind,” he said.
