Leveraging advanced technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and big data analytics, today's smart factories are a million miles from their ancestors of the first industrial revolution.

Characterized by interconnected systems and processes that enable seamless communication and real-time data exchange between machines, devices, and humans, manufacturing in the plastic industry nowadays sees an interconnectedness that facilitates automation, predictive maintenance, and enhanced decision-making, ultimately leading to increased efficiency and productivity.

Often referred to as Industry 4.0, aka the fourth industrial revolution,  the concept of cyber-physical systems (CPS), where physical processes are seamlessly integrated with digital systems stretches from the moment you digitally sign-in to the factory through to watching a QR code being scanned in dispatch.

Such astonishing integration allows for greater flexibility and customization in the manufacturing processes as machines can be programmed to adapt to changing production requirements in real-time, and the implementation of predictive maintenance strategies, where machines can anticipate when they require maintenance or repairs based on data analysis, minimizing downtime and reducing costs to the benefit of both producer and customer.

The proliferation of data-driven insights and analytics allow the generation of vast amounts of information from sensors, machines, and other devices, which can be analyzed and used to optimize processes, identify patterns, and make decisions to improve quality, reduce waste, and enhance overall efficiency - something truly unthinkable even a decade ago, nevermind a generation ago.

When we look back at the changes that have pushed us ever forward as a human race, similarly to how we think of the transition of mills powered from steam to diesel to electric, it seems inevitable that we'll view the movement from simple robotics to a fully connected factory in much the same way. Enhanced collaboration and coordination between suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors, ultimately leading to a more agile and resilient supply chain ecosystem is the new norm for injection molding trendsetters like ADIS Tachov s.r.o. and almost certainly gets the mind buzzing to what lies next!