By José Rizzo, founding president of the Brazilian Industrial Internet Association (ABII)
Today, everything is at the touch of a button; we talk and connect with people from anywhere in the world in an instant. And, while we live in the era of connectivity in our personal lives, in the industry, the scenario is one of digital revolution with adherence to technologies such as artificial intelligence, internet of things, robotization and big data.
With this revolution in the way of doing business, the need to innovate and invest in projects that make organizations make their production processes more intelligent, agile and economical to stand out in relation to the competition becomes imminent.
Investments in technology remained stable in 2016, according to information from the Getúlio Vargas Foundation (FGV) - which seems good considering the country's economic and political situation. However, in comparison with other markets, Brazil is still “crawling” when it comes to digital transformation. With that in mind, I share here the four disruptive technologies that the industry needs to be aware of in order to make a structural change in the day to day and in the way of doing business.
Advanced robotics
The use of robots in the industry has been growing year by year. Data from the International Robotics Federation (IFR) and the National Robot Association estimate that 1,800 robots were purchased by the industry in Brazil in 2016 and that in 2019 that number will be 3,500 units. But, as I said before, the country still has a lot to grow in this sector - it is estimated that 290 thousand robots were purchased in the world last year and that 414 thousand pieces of equipment will be acquired by 2019.
It is worth noting that robots are not a substitute for human labor. They bring benefits both to employees, who can leave repetitive and even unhealthy activities to take on more strategic tasks; as for companies, as they increase productivity, since they can perform activities 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The market already has models capable of working side by side with man, which are collaborative robots. And there is also no need for a high initial investment, as robots as a service are already offered by the market - a rental modality with monthly payment.
Artificial intelligence (AI)
This technology has been used to analyze all information generated by companies and to identify variables, mapping opportunities to optimize processes, improve performance and anticipate failures. For example, if an industry has machines from different manufacturers and a particular brand demanded a greater number of repairs and maintenance, it can be assessed whether the exchange of the equipment for another brand would not bring more benefits. These conclusions can be obtained through AI - helping to reduce costs in the medium and long term.
It is no wonder that Gartner estimates that by 2021, 40% of new business applications implemented by service providers will include AI technologies. After all, with the ability to predict scenarios and anticipate actions, this technology ensures greater efficiency, more accurate management information and a reduction in costs and time.
Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
Combining connectivity with industries, it is possible to control operations from anywhere in the world - using a simple cell phone - and generate data in real time for better and faster decision making. The use of sensors to monitor equipment and indicate in advance the need for repairs is an example of IIoT in practice: connected equipment anticipates problems, avoiding the costs generated by actions that need to be carried out at the last minute.
Studies by IDC Brasil indicate that the industry will be the sector that will invest the most in this technology in 2017. Of course, this concept is still new and has some challenges, but those who do not explore this opportunity will follow their competitors by standing out and being left behind.
Analytics
As one technology is associated with another, the data generated by AI and IIoT need to be analyzed efficiently to generate the expected benefits. This information can result in valuable insights, which can be used for strategic decision making and more efficient management, offering the opportunity to create new sources of revenue.
For those who are still afraid, there is a way to get a quick return and feel safe to invest in these new technologies: adopt one of them in a certain process, analyze the results and then expand or replicate. Industry 4.0 is a reality and innovations are essential for Brazilian organizations to keep up with global trends and become competitive.
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