ABOUTIndustrial revolution refers to a set of technologies that dramatically amplify the productivity of people, changing everything from longevity and quality of life to where and how people, work and mingle. As depicted in the diagram above, we have undergone four Industrial Revolutions (IR) and are on the brink of embarking on the Fifth (Industry and Services 5.0) – each version brings more automation and more tools into the mix but also increasing the complexity of managing and maintaining the systems. Parallel to this the products we are creating are also getting increasingly complex and smart, and relying on connectivity to pull and push data to enable their functionalities.

With the advent of Industry and Services 5.0, we are poised to see even more advanced automation and tools, as well as greater connectivity and intelligence in our products. This will undoubtedly bring significant benefits in terms of productivity and efficiency, but it will also increase the complexity of managing and maintaining these systems.

As a result, there will be an even greater need for integrated platforms and solutions that can manage and optimize the entire value chain, from design and production to distribution and maintenance. The convergence of smart manufacturing and smart products will be a key driver of this transformation, as it enables companies to leverage data and insights to create more advanced and sophisticated products, while also optimizing their manufacturing processes.

At the same time, there will be challenges to overcome, such as ensuring the security and privacy of data and protecting against cyber threats. But with the right approach and tools, we can harness the power of Industry 5.0 to create a more sustainable, efficient, and connected world.

Jeff Winter posted this very interesting article defining the two:

In the context of Industry 4.0, the terms “smart manufacturing” and “smart products” refer to two distinct but complementary aspects of the digital transformation taking place in the industrial sector.

Smart Manufacturing

Smart manufacturing, also known as smart operations, refers to the integration of advanced technologies, data analytics, and automation in the production process to optimize manufacturing activities. This includes the entire value chain, from design to production to distribution. The primary goal of smart manufacturing is to optimize the production process, enhance efficiency, and increase the overall competitiveness of a manufacturing organization. Specific objectives of smart manufacturing include:

• Improved operational efficiency
• Enhanced flexibility and adaptability
• Reduced production costs
• Higher product quality and consistency
• Increased innovation

Smart Products

Smart products refer to physical products a company sells/uses that are embedded with sensors, software, and connectivity features, allowing them to collect, transmit, and receive data through interaction with other devices, systems, and users. The primary goal of smart products is to enhance the functionality, value, and user experience of these physical products. Specific objectives of smart products include:

• Improved product performance and functionality
• Enhanced user experience
• New value-added services
• Greater customer insights
• Integration with other systems

One important aspect to note is that although the goals of smart manufacturing and smart products are different, the two concepts are highly interconnected, as smart products can provide data and insights that can be used to improve manufacturing processes in smart manufacturing.

Our Take

At Numorpho Cybernetic Systems, it is our belief that in the realm of Industry 4.0 the ecosystem defines the product and the smart products and services help to validate – prove and improve the ecosystem.

This highlights the importance of considering the entire value chain and ecosystem when implementing smart manufacturing and smart products. It’s essential to recognize that these two concepts are not mutually exclusive, and they can work together to drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and create value for customers. By leveraging data and insights from smart products, manufacturers can optimize their production processes and improve the overall performance of their operations. Conversely, by implementing smart manufacturing, companies can develop more advanced and sophisticated smart products that offer new and innovative features to customers. Ultimately, the integration of smart manufacturing and smart products can lead to a more competitive and sustainable industrial sector in the era of Industry 4.0.

This duality and interrelationship is what we plan to exploit in our progression, so that the end result is that the ecosystem and the products and services have the same DNA. They are therefore conjoined in the making, managing, moving, marketing and maintenance functionalities – our 5 Ms that define the basis of our platform, the Mantra M5 that enables innovation, automation, integration and the enactment of actionable intelligence.

SUMMARY

In the new paradigm of inter connectedness, products and services need to have the same basis as the platform they are built in. By enabling innovation, automation, integration, and actionable intelligence, we can create a cohesive system that optimizes manufacturing operations while enhancing the functionality, value, and user experience of smart products. This approach will lead to a more efficient, effective, and sustainable industrial sector, which is the ultimate goal of Industry 4.0, and its seamless progression to Industry and Services 5.0.

It is with this intent that at Numorpho Cybernetic Systems (NUMO), we are embarking on building a platform for process automation alongside with creating smart and connected products. This way the fundamental composition – the DNA – of both the machine that makes the products and the product itself will be the same.

NI+IN UCHIL Founder, CEO & Technical Evangelist
nitin.uchil@numorpho.com

Summary from ChatGPT

It’s great to hear that Numorpho Cybernetic Systems (NUMO) is taking a proactive approach to harnessing the power of Industry 5.0 by building a platform for process automation and creating smart and connected products. By ensuring that the fundamental composition of both the machine that makes the products and the product itself is the same, you can create a seamless and integrated ecosystem that maximizes efficiency and value. This approach will also help to address the challenges associated with increasing complexity, by enabling a more holistic and streamlined approach to managing and maintaining both the machines and the products they produce. Ultimately, this can help to drive innovation and create a more sustainable and connected world.