Industry 4.0 has arrived to revolutionise the way we produce, operate and interact in the business world. It integrates new technologies and digitalises industrial processes, boosting efficiency, sustainability and innovation. In Galicia, this transformation is gaining momentum thanks to the Galicia Industry 4.0 Competitiveness Agenda, promoted by the Xunta, which seeks to enhance technological adaptation in Galician companies.
Galicia has been working on digital transformation for a decade. Currently, the ICT hypersector represents around 3% of GDP and employs more than 21,800 people, demonstrating continuous growth and a significant impact on the economy. This effort is being led by medium and large companies, which stand out in the adoption of innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). In fact, 11.1% of these companies already use AI to automate processes and improve decision-making.
Key technologies underpinning Industry 4.0
- Internet of Things (IoT) allows devices and everyday objects to be connected to the network to create a continuous flow of data. This system offers advantages such as real-time monitoring of different processes, reducing failures and maintenance costs. Moreover, with the information collected, companies can improve the supply chain, avoid stock breakages and personalise the customer experience according to their preferences and needs.
- Artificial Intelligence is another fundamental technology. Its ability to process large volumes of data, detect patterns and make informed decisions is crucial for optimising operations. In addition to eliminating repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on strategic activities, AI facilitates the analysis of future trends, helping companies anticipate market changes. To improve communication and customer idealisation, the use of chatbots and virtual assistants can be included.
- Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are also transforming the industrial landscape. These technologies offer interactive tools and immersive environments that enhance training through real scenarios, allow product visualisation before production and reduce errors in design and prototyping processes. In addition, personalised experiences can be created to attract customers and strengthen brand image.
Combining all these technologies, Smart Factories are redefining the concept of manufacturing. These facilities not only automate processes, but also analyse data, predict trends and optimise operations continuously. The benefits include increased productivity, sustainability, safety and quality, enabling more efficient and personalised manufacturing.
Digitalisation improves operational efficiency and opens up new opportunities for Galician companies. Among the benefits are:
- Access to new markets and customers
- Resource optimisation
- Greater adaptability to market changes
- Achieving fluid communication that strengthens the relationship with the consumer
- Reducing production costs
The path to digitalisation:
The path to digitalisation requires strategic planning and a comprehensive approach that considers both technological and organisational aspects. Below, we detail the key steps to carry out this process successfully.
- Detailed analysis of the company’s initial situation. This involves assessing the existing technological infrastructure, identifying areas for improvement
- Analysing available internal resources, including staff skills
- It is essential to establish clear objectives and realistic goals for digital transformation, considering factors such as necessary investment, organisational culture and change management
- Create a roadmap or global strategy that encompasses both technological aspects and necessary cultural changes. This strategy should align with business objectives and consider long-term evolution
- Measuring and evaluating the impact of new technologies is crucial to ensure the success of digital transformation. Analysis tools allow monitoring of return on investment (ROI) and making necessary adjustments to maximise benefits
The implementation of technologies can be done progressively, allowing companies to adapt their processes without disrupting daily operations.
Success stories
- AIMEN: revolutionised manufacturing by developing a control system that digitally connected the entire production process, achieving defect-free parts and increasing efficiency by more than 40%.
- Krack: Thanks to the adoption of e-commerce and an omnichannel strategy using efficient technologies, it achieved significant expansion, reaching 62 physical stores and presence in international markets, while e-commerce represents between 13% and 15% of its business. In addition, it improved operational efficiency, reduced costs and optimised the customer experience through the integration of digital technologies and advanced logistics.
