Digitizing industrial processes

The revolution in the industrial sector is constantly changing. We have gone from mechanization to digitalization. We call this digital transformation. Several milestones have marked the evolution of digital technology.

Historical review

The 50s: the computer age

Alan Turing, mathematician and computer scientist, laid the foundations for artificial intelligence. He announced that in the next half-century “there will be no way of distinguishing between the answers given by a man and a computer on any subject”[i].

The 60s were marked by the advent of miniaturization of electronic components, leading to lower production costs and more powerful computer algorithms.

1961: the start of the Internet

However, it was 1961 that marked a significant development in computing and digital technology, with the start of the Internet. This was followed in 1971 by the invention of the microprocessor and the networking of computers: a prelude to the Internet, which would be operational by 1983.

1980s

They are marked by the appearance of personal computers in the home, the evolution of photography, the switch to digital photography, the networks of networks with the Internet in 1983 and the beginning of the cell phone.

1990s

They mark a major technical advance with the smartphone, artificial intelligence, e-commerce and the supply of software.

The 2000s

The rise of applications, social networks and big data management. Digital and technological research is contributing to the creation of more effective tools for improving production processes in various sectors, and reducing production costs.

Companies in the industrial sector have only recently begun their digital revolution, and the development of high-performance software is at the heart of their digitalization, particularly of industrial processes.

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Definition of an industrial process

The aim of an industrial process is to produce objects or products on a large scale in technically and economically acceptable conditions. The process may be mechanical, chemical or digital. It can be used to produce large quantities of products.

A process is therefore a procedure to be followed in order to obtain a product. The procedure describes the elements to be used, the material resources to be provided, the operations to be carried out and the conditions to be met. The procedure takes the form of production units or processes. These processes are increasingly digitized to boost performance and productivity.

The challenges of digitizing industrial processes

The production chain is going digital. At the level of each chain, digitalization must be present in order to link the company’s various departments. Process automation: the aim is to automate production and improve quality and delivery times. Software development is therefore a key concern for companies in the industrial sector.

Digital continuity: information must be available at all times.

Digital transformation in industry

Digital transformation in the industrial sector has an impact on the company’s business, transforming its professions and its range of industrial products and services, and bringing about a change in its business model.

According to Les Echos, 50% of industrial jobs are likely to be automated over the next 20 years. This automation is digital, and will contribute to the digitization of company processes. Digital technology is present at every level of the production chain. Software suites and software are an integral part of industrial processes.

Such is the case with the Producim and Pharmacim software suites. They are made up of different modules designed to meet specific challenges.

For example:

• The producim MES suite that optimizes production tools
• The Producim SN Manager module for series management
• The producim LSM Label serialization management suite includes job and batch order management, serial number management, 2D code printing, print control, and on-line equipment control.

Courbon Software, expert in software suites for industry and industrial SAAS software, supports you in the digitalization of your industry and your processes.

The benefits of digitizing industrial processes

The digitalization of industrial processes is a real asset for companies in this sector.

It enables :

• reduce production and maintenance costs
• improve safety
• provide the right information throughout the chain
• boost industrial performance

The future of digitalization

The digital revolution is not at its peak. Digital technologies are improving, offering solutions such as cloud, SAAS, artificial intelligence and big data.

All industry sectors will benefit from digitalization. It is worth noting that the pharmaceutical industry is undergoing digital transformation and the presence of the GAFAs (Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon) in the race for the healthcare industry is a major contributing factor.

These developments are already helping to optimize industrial performance and increase data security.