Digital strategy is an essential part of the journey into I4.0
journey. This needs to encompass
all aspects of a business including
Industrial Internet of Things/
Industry 4.0. There is now the
potential to have more information
than ever before as AI, machine
learning and visualisation tools
become easier to use. Companies
also need to consider what the
future of work looks like for them
and their employees regarding
what skills they will require as
systems and processes develop.
As more data is processed, what
skills are needed to make sure it
is used in the best possible way.
Partnerships:
Teamwork and collaboration
can benefit companies in the
same or adjacent sectors. As a
small and connected network,
especially in the food industry,
working together can mean a
greater chance of optimising
processes. Partnerships between
food companies, tech providers,
government and research
organisations are solving food
industry challenges with world
class digital solutions. This
is happening by local tech
companies working directly
with potential users, using
agile principles to develop new
solutions.
How to get started
• First, choose something small to
tackle that doesn’t disrupt your
whole way of work.
• Look into Callaghan Innovations’
student grants. Some food and
beverage companies have been
working with university students
to support their Industry
4.0 programmes. Callaghan
Innovation has experience
grants which will cover the cost
of the students and may have
some interesting case studies or
Katy Bluett, Callaghan Innovation’s
food and beverage group manager,
is excited to see what Industry 4.0
means for Kiwi innovators
Digital twins can be used to simulate events in the factory
10 MARCH 2020