INDUSTRY 4.0 IN WEST MICHIGAN
Access Smart Manufacturing Technologies to Improve Your Bottom Line.
Embrace the next phase of advanced digital and physical technologies to lower cost and increase efficiency.
Whether you’re ready to dive into new technologies or aren’t sure where to start, embracing Industry 4.0 technologies is easier than you think. Watch our video to learn how other West Michigan manufacturers have implemented these technologies to solve pain points and increase profitability. Take the assessment to find out which technologies will help you maximize ROI for your business.
Embrace the next phase of advanced digital and physical technologies to lower cost and increase efficiency.
Whether you’re ready to dive into new technologies or aren’t sure where to start, embracing Industry 4.0 technologies is easier than you think. Watch our video to learn how other West Michigan manufacturers have implemented these technologies to solve pain points and increase profitability. Take the assessment to find out which technologies will help you maximize ROI for your business.
West Michigan Success Stories
West Michigan manufacturers large and small have implemented Industry 4.0 solutions to increase profitability and efficiency for their operations. Watch their stories and learn how local manufacturers are utilizing these technologies below.
ADAC Automotive
Learn how ADAC incorporated advanced technologies to improve data collection and traceability throughout the manufacturing process.
Flexfab
Learn how transportation OEM supplier Flexfab used AI and machine learning to improve scheduling, reduce overtime and better forecast future demand.
Hazekamp’s Premier Foods
Improving throughput with the same high quality and handmade-look of manual labor, see how Hazekamp’s implemented robotics on their food processing lines.
Impact Fab
See how custom fabricator Impact Fab implemented robotics to increase efficiency for their highly skilled workforce.
Advanced Technology Applications
Industry 4.0 encompasses a wide range of technologies that allow businesses to more fully control processes, enable cost savings and capture data to understand opportunities and risks. These technologies are divided into nine distinct nodes:
Augmented & Virtual Reality
Combine digital simulations with real world applications to improve training or guide employees through difficult operating processes.
Additive Manufacturing/3D Printing
Let 3D printing work for you to improve design efficiency, reduce waste and cut time in prototyping.
Big Data
Gather key insights with data collection and analytics to allow your leaders to make the best decisions with the most accurate information.
Cloud Computing
Easily manage, store and access your data through an internet connection to quickly innovate and build efficient processes.
Cyber Security
Protect your data and increasingly connected systems from internal and external threats.
Internet of Things
Use embedded sensors to increase data collection, track assets in real-time and perform predictive maintenance.
Robots/Automation
Improve employee safety and efficiency with the aid of robotic arms or vehicles.
Simulation
Forecast possibilities and reduce costs by virtually modeling multiple scenarios.
System Integration
Link your systems together through RFID and other integrations to improve communication and data gathering.
Partnerships and Resources
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is promoting Industry 4.0 technologies through investments and grants to regional economic developers and organizations that support Michigan manufacturers, such as Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center – West and Automation Alley. Both of these organizations offer resources to help Michigan businesses adopt advanced technologies.
The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center – West supports small to mid-sized manufacturers by providing expertise and evaluation on possible technology solutions customized to your operations. Learn more about their assessment below.
Automation Alley is a nonprofit organization focused on supporting manufacturing and technology businesses in Michigan with educational materials and opportunities. Subscribe to their digital knowledge center, attend technology events and grow your business with customized solutions that propel your business forward.
Technology Opportunity Assessment
The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center – West offers a Technology Opportunity Assessment to guide your business as you plan for future growth opportunities through Industry 4.0 technologies.
What is it?
Assessments take approximately two hours to complete. Questions include your business and customer perspectives, process documentation and any existing automation applications currently in use. You’ll also need a few financial metrics in order to complete all 40 questions successfully.
The chart below depicts what just a section of the questionnaire might look like:
Example Technology Questionnaire
| Questions | VOB*/VOC** | TECH | SYSTEM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | What is the company strategy for technology adoption? | 10 | 5 | 5 |
| 2 | Are processes managed as value streams or through silos? | 5 | 10 | 10 |
| 3 | How do you determine customer expectations? | 1 | 5 | 5 |
| 4 | How is performance data collected? | 5 | 5 | 10 |
| 5 | How involved are you in product design? | 5 | 5 | 10 |
| 6 | What types of mapping/simulation is used in your management model? | 5 | 5 | 10 |
| 7 | How is performance data tied to business results? | 1 | 5 | 10 |
- *Voice of Business (VOB) considers the needs, wants, expectations, and preferences, both spoken and unspoken, of the people who constitute (run) the business itself (e.g., shareholders, officers, or others involved in corporate governance). Examples of business needs are revenue, growth, market leadership, etc.
- **Voice of Customer (VOC) considers the needs, wants, expectations, and preferences, both spoken and unspoken, of business’s customers, whether internal or external. Examples of customer needs are a fast service, 24/7 support, no down time, 6 liter per 100 km gas usage, etc.
What does it cost?
Assessments are currently no cost to complete due to funding provided by the Michigan Strategic Fund.
How will it help my business?
Upon completion of the assessment, manufacturers will receive a report that outlines opportunities for the greatest return on investment and increased efficiency. From this report, Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center – West will create a customized plan to implement technologies into your facility including:
- Adoption Strategy
- Project Scope
- Supplier Recommendations