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Tech glossary

Defining IT & technology terms

Industry 4.0

Industry 4.0, or the fourth industrial revolution, refers to the latest era of manufacturing industry transformation. Much like how the first industrial revolution was marked by the introduction of mechanization and steam power, Industry 4.0 is defined by the increased adoption of automated and interconnected technology to optimize manufacturing processes using insights from real-time data.

Several key technologies characterize Industry 4.0, including:

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Automation
  • Cloud
  • Internet of Things (IoT)
  • Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)

By embracing Industry 4.0, manufacturers can position themselves as a smart factory — a highly digital manufacturing environment where devices exchange data across factory floors to enable smarter decision-making. With the ability to make stronger, evidence-based conclusions, factories can boost efficiency, optimize spending and reduce waste.

Learn more about Industry 4.0

Related terms

  • Automation
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Big data
  • Cloud
  • Internet of Things (IoT)
  • Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)

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