Data analytics is at the heart of Industry 4.0

We are in the midst of massive change--spurred by interconnected digital technologies that are fundamentally reshaping the global industrial landscape. Industry 4.0 meshes the physical and virtual worlds, combining digital capabilities like advanced robotics and artificial intelligence; sophisticated sensors; data capture and analytics; cloud computing; and 3D printing (for starters). Data analytics is at the very heart of Industry 4.0. Leading industrial companies are embracing Industry 4.0 to create tightly woven digital ecosystems of employees, customers, partners, and suppliers--empowering them to rapidly deliver customized products and services while increasing revenue and driving down costs. To remain competitive, every industrial company should review its data analytics skills and organizational structures, making sure it can capture, analyze and fully leverage the data at executives' fingertips to refine products and services and meet changing customer needs.