How to integrate IoT, big data and analytics into Industry 4.0

Industry (or Manufacturing) 4.0 started as a German government initiative in 2011. It refers to a Fourth Industrial Revolution characterized by smart factories using robotics, autonomous operations, the Internet of Things, big data, analytics, artificial intelligence, and a convergence of IT and OT. The goal is to create efficient, agile and intelligent manufacturing. There wasn't a prescriptive Industry 4.0 methodology for manufacturers to follow, so early adopters tried various approaches to see which worked best. "We focus on the capabilities that [Manufacturing 4.0] technology can deliver for our clients," said Stephen Laaper, principal and smart factory leader at Deloitte.