Industry 4.0 throughout the supply chain

The video above shows how Essentra Components has introduced and is using Industry 4.0 processes to deliver a connected supply chain using smart planning, data and manufacturing equipment. This means our customers benefit from a seamless, hassle-free ordering and delivery experience across:

• Product development
• Manufacturing
• Distribution

This video is interactive, so by clicking on the white crosses you can pause the video to find out more about a process or discover one of our in-depth and expert articles on Industry 4.0 and smart factory plus how industry 4.0 works.

If you want to get up to speed with Industry 4.0 and know your big data from your cloud robotics, take a look at our handy Manufacturing 4.0 glossary of key terms.

At Essentra Components, we use data mined from demand, production and distribution-planned software to create a seamless, informed experience. Watch this video to find out how our investment in the intelligent use of smart data provides an improved product offering, greater ability to produce at scale and faster, more efficient delivery to customers.

Ensuring a high level of cybersecurity is key. We have a number of strategies in place to ensure our data – and that of our customers’ – is secure. Discover what the threats could be to your business and what you can do to mitigate them.

Product development

With a range of 45,000 products, we are able to manufacture 80m parts a week.

To ensure the components are going to be fit for purpose, customers can order free samples and download our CAD drawings to insert in their project designs. We also offer custom solutions, including design, 3D printing and prototyping in the US and across the world. With the ability to create prototypes on an industrial 3D printer, we are also able to ensure that our components can be bespoke.

Industry 4.0 manufacturing

See how smart planning software that begins with a customer order continues into the factory, communicating with smart machines to manufacture the desired number in the fastest and most cost-effective way. Learn what enables industry 4.0 innovation – giving more sight of the supply chain than ever before.

We are able to monitor and analyse OEE levels (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) in real time. Data is captured during production and used to refine the process.

Our injection molding machines are remotely linked back to the manufacturer. Performance can be monitored and faults immediately diagnosed. Plus, thanks to our investment in industrial automation such as robotic sprue pickers, production times are continually being improved upon.

Industry 4.0 in supply chain

By using automated and interconnected technologies to drive our distribution, our warehouses are implementing Industry 4.0 technology. Smart devices are linked to the planning and factory software. The means that the whole of the supply chain is connected and speeds up delivery time.

Added to this, our established distribution network means we can offer more than 1bn parts for fast dispatch. We are already realizing the potential of smart manufacturing and industry 4.0 throughout our supply chain.

Overall, Industry 4.0 and the rise of the smart factory are transforming the speed and efficiency of the supply chain, particularly around:

• Product development
• Manufacturing
• Distribution and logistics

Over to you

Want to build your own Industry 4.0 strategy? We’ve put together a guide to making the transition to smart manufacturing, including recommendations on:

• How to assess your challenges
• Identifying improvements
• Establishing an ecosystem