1/23/19 – Software is “eating the world” and tech has become an essential component of all industries, even those traditionally far removed from high-tech processes. The integration of tech into traditional industry is a key component of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, or “Industry 4.0.” Identify3D is at the forefront of this revolution, enabling industrial companies that suddenly find themselves in the information business to maintain control over their now digital assets. I recently had the opportunity to sit down with co-founder and CEO, Joe Inkenbrandt, to learn more about how Identify3D is creating a digital thread for Industry 4.0.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution
The impetus behind the First Industrial Revolution was steam power. Electric power spawned the Second Industrial Revolution. Widespread use of electronics and information technology allowed for the automation of production during the Third. Now, we are witnessing the Fourth Industrial Revolution, characterized by the World Economic Forum as “a fusion of technologies that is blurring the lines between the physical, digital, and biological spheres.”
Operating in Industry 4.0 requires that companies not only adjust to the digitization of information, products, and processes but that they also embrace emerging technologies like IoT and 3D printing. Industry 4.0 requires smarter industrial workflows that leverage “digital twins”, automated factories, and near continuous cloud connectivity. While the potential efficiency gains are enormous, and the convergence of technologies allows for entirely new business possibilities, traditional industry players find themselves facing new challenges. For example, protecting IP becomes more challenging when designs and specifications are distributed digitally, since it is particularly hard to prevent re-distribution and replication.
By Justine Humenansky
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