Every industrial revolution brings with it modern technologies that facilitate work and offer greater opportunities. The invention of the steam engine, the assembly line, and the computer were groundbreaking moments. Today, many companies are focusing on automating individual processes, enabling them to work faster, more efficiently, and more productively. Find out which Industry 4.0 technologies will work for your company and how to obtain funding for development!
What is Industry 4.0?
Industry 4.0 is a series of social, industrial, and technological changes brought about by digitization. Its main premise is the automation of companies through the implementation of systems that operate via a network connection. The introduction of information and communication technologies has made it possible to connect different devices so that they can work as a single, coherent system. Appropriate algorithms can also be programmed into devices, creating robotic workstations that effectively increase a company’s productivity. The implementation of several different smart solutions allows for the automation of many processes – from the simplest ones, through those that are time-consuming for humans, to those that are dangerous. The Industrial Revolution 4.0 ultimately aims to combine the internet, automation, artificial intelligence, and nanotechnology so that every company can achieve better performance and greater efficiency while maintaining process repeatability and excellent quality. You already know what Industry 4.0 looks like today – what it is and what aspects it covers. Who can benefit from technological development and gain from a changing world?
What and who can obtain a subsidy for production automation?
Many entrepreneurs want automation of manufacturing processes to support their companies as well. This is a costly investment, so it is worth applying for funding. Subsidies are available for the development of innovative products and services, the construction of prototypes and production lines, the purchase and implementation of robotic workstations, the purchase and implementation of intralogistics systems, as well as machine and equipment control systems.
Small and medium-sized enterprises may apply for funding provided that:
- the investment is a consequence of the research processes of the project, which is to be an investment,
or
- the result of implementing research and development work as part of another project (innovative product/service).
Large enterprises must conduct R&D work in order to apply for funding. The amount of the subsidy obtained depends on the size of the company, its location (either the company or the investment site), and the type of investment. Before submitting your application, it is worth reading the guidelines or finding a specialist who can advise you on the process of submitting such documents. First, you need to specify, among other things, the area in which you want to obtain funding, the type of innovation, and the expected financial results (the investment should pay for itself in 3 to 5 years). Then check the offers of companies that manufacture machines, robotic workstations, or implement systems, assemble a team, and you can start compiling the documents. This is a time-consuming process, so be prepared for intensive work. It is worth remembering that production automation brings many benefits after implementation.
When is it worth investing in production automation?
The automation of production processes brings many benefits. First and foremost, it increases the company’s productivity, improves logistics, helps detect and optimize errors, speeds up work, and relieves specialists of physical labor. Thanks to robotization and automation, you can accept more orders, expand your offer with completely new projects, and develop in various sectors. In addition, you minimize the risk of downtime or returns from customers. Safety levels are increased – employees are not so overburdened, they can focus on other tasks, and they do not perform work that could cause accidents.
If you want to implement automation in your company, it is worth applying for funding. The costs associated with the investment are high, and the company is not always able to pay for such a project on its own. It is worth knowing that the implementation of the project will ensure growth, so the financial outlay will pay for itself relatively quickly!