The metal fabricating industry may be ahead of most other industries when it comes to adopting the latest technology – if not, it is certainly at par. After all, without computers and digitalization, how else would the exponential increases in quality come about.

Industry 4.0 is a conveniently pithy term describing a whole host of technologies that are set to come into the manufacturing sector in the next few years.

The basic premise is this: ever greater automation in production; more connected and ‘aware’ machines that are able to take decisions intelligently, a more efficient production process. Note, whereas a better finished product is expected – it is at present a by-product. Just as well, metal fabricating has technologies have continued to be imbued with impressive manufacturing improvements over the years.

Industry 4.0 will also rely on Internet of Things (IoT) too, given that automation will require information about ‘its surroundings’, but that discussion is for a later time.

1. Changing the human role – At present metal fabricating is very human-driven business. From design to implementation to manufacture to assembly, the human is vital part of the process. With Industry 4.0, the human role would be more akin to defining parameters for the artificial intelligence (AI)-based machines.
    
2. Remote management – With the production process looked after by automation, there is a possibility of a separation of the manufacturing facilities and the human interface to a far greater extent. No longer will the majority of the workforce have to be at the shop metal fabricating; instead, performing troubleshooting over a distance.
    
3. Maintenance – With connected devices and machines, sensors monitoring every aspect of individual machines and the facility as a whole, managers can keep a much more granular overview of operations. Problems can be discovered before they become severe enough to impede production and downtime can be reduced drastically.
    
4. Adaptability and efficiency – Think not only more efficient metal fabricating, but more efficient manufacturing processes. Reduced electricity consumption, tighter tolerances, just-in-time manufacture are just some benefits that can be brought about by intelligent AI systems.
    
5. Real-time progress monitoring – As a client of a metal fabricating operation you, the client, will gain a much more real time view of the production process. Tracking what stage your project is at will allow you to tailor your own schedules more finely and reduce contingencies.
    

4 Way Metal is proud to employ a highly skilled workforce and the latest technologies for our metal fabricating.