Industry 4.0 represents an opportunity for emerging, ambitious and future-oriented professionals to change the world as we know it.
The fourth Industrial Revolution, or Industrial 4.0 as it is often better known, is the integration of intelligent, digital technologies into large-scale industrial and manufacturing processes, with the aim of creating intelligent, advanced systems.
Skills in this area are very important for any professionals who want to work in a future-oriented role or a high-tech force. But where to start? SiliconRepublic.com, as part of the month long Industry 4.0, has compiled a list of the most important skills to have as you face the changing world.
Always be human
It is not uncommon to think that the most important qualities to have in technical and complex industries are all hard skills. However, it is a commonly held myth, as soft skills are important long-term success in any professional area, including jobs under the Industry 4.0 umbrella. These are the skills that enable you to communicate effectively with colleagues, negotiate positive change and create a better work environment.
The skills you should prioritize are adaptability and problem solving, as the roles of Industry 4.0 are often complex and constantly evolving, collaboration, as your job may require a certain level of interaction with other groups, departments or companies, critical thinking as Industrial 4.0 jobs are often focused on the need to address today’s problems with unique solutions and leadership, as everyone must know how to command the room and lead others. Soft skills bring an important human dimension to jobs that are often considered complex and clinical.
A new dimension
3D printing, or as it is often known, additive manufacturing, has enabled Industry 4.0 professionals to go beyond traditional methods as they create models and prototypes that have the potential to improve quality of life, reduce costs and increase resources. Doctors may use 3D printing to create prosthetics and implants to match a patient’s unique makeup. Manufacturers can use the technology to create specific, on-demand medical devices and aerospace engineers often use additive manufacturing to develop small, complex parts that require high precision and specific specifications. There are a range of organizations and sectors in and outside of STEM that are now using 3D development and it is undoubtedly a skill that will be transferred to the next wave of industries.
Seeing twice
Digital twin technology is defined as a visual representation of a physical system or process that receives data from the real world, in real time. Its purpose is to demonstrate the behavior, performance and status of a basic, realistic model, so that professionals can test, evaluate and analyze without affecting a real colleague. Digital twin tech allows organizations to simulate real-world conditions, strengthen security and improve operations, while reducing risk or accidental damage. Among the skills that are useful for those who want to know more about digital twin technologies are skills in IoT, AI, data analysis, simulation software and cloud computing. And it is especially important for those hoping to work in manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, energy and utilities, health caresmart cities and infrastructure.
Stay connected
Research suggests that IoT, as an important part of Industry 4.0, is a skill that is close to the constant demand by organizations and employers. While this suggests that there is a talent shortage and skills gap, there is also an opportunity for professionals to develop skills in an area that can provide them with new job opportunities. Anyone who hopes to become an IoT specialist should ensure that they have a solid education in AutoCAD that allows engineers to design machines, cybersecurity to manage complex and high-risk projects, data and analysis skills that ensure clean, concise and intuitive work and AI and ML, among others.
Jobs in Industry 4.0 are moving so fast that it can be difficult to keep up with the changes, but it is important to remember that the skills of today, shape the future. All you have to do to keep up the pace is to commit to developing your skills and take each challenge as it comes.
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