Charles Darwin and Industry 4.0

Over two hundred years ago, Charles Darwin gave us his theory on the evolution of species, or “transformism” as it is commonly known. Although this theory was already circulating within the scientific community at the time, Darwin was one of the first to set out the principle of the transformation of species through time and their environment. The arrival of digital transformation within organizations, also known as Industry 4.0 or the Fourth Industrial Revolution, brings us back to this theory. The fact that only those who can adapt and keep up with the new working environment, which is taking hold faster than desired, will remain competitive in an innovative environment.

The appropriation of new technologies, the connectivity of data and objects, the massive data to be processed, cybersecurity, organizational restructuring and, finally, the development of a digital strategic plan, to name but a few, are becoming essential elements in maximizing organizational effectiveness and efficiency today.

In this vein, Industry 4.0 aims to share information, by flattening the communications hierarchy and opening up to greater involvement of internal resources; thus, organizations find themselves maximizing their human capital.

Industry 4.0 aims to put an end to silo working

Data should be at the service of the organization, and not the individual responsible for producing it, as it adds value to the organization’s work.

The challenges posed by this new industrial revolution affect many internal aspects of companies, especially SMEs, and will eventually require expertise and resources that are currently in short supply. According to Espace conseils PME[1], the challenges facing organizations are as follows:

Software and equipment connectivity, even for existing equipment;
Standardized standards and processes to facilitate data sharing;
Re-engineering work methods and processes;
Cybersecurity management;
Access to digital technology specialists;
Developing new skills.

These challenges will lead companies to invest in digital solutions, purchasing new work tools and developing the skills of internal resources. This added value, which will be created by necessity, will in turn lead to changes in operational and organizational behavior, enabling managers to focus their energy on proactivity and taking action, rather than on analyzing multiple reports.

A new business model, a new business maturity

Often, a business owner will tell you that they can’t move towards this new era, that their resources, their reality and the environment of their industry mean that they’re still a long way from 4.0. However, you look next door and see his competitors working on site with tablets, your waitress taking your order with an iPad, the receptionist spitting out your reports within the minute, etc… To this end, it’s important to see how the integration of new technologies can transform a company’s profitability, how this transformation triggers a step-change in the company’s mission, vision and values, or how this transformation can save a company that is losing growth.

In conclusion, Industry 4.0 is within reach for any organization wishing to create an intelligent organization. It optimizes work processes and methods at all internal levels. SMEs need to adapt to the changes they face today and tomorrow.

For additional application information, we refer you to the roadmap created by the Quebec government in the link below: