trends in automation

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Issue 32 trends in automation
Synergies 22 – 23
ourselves on the journey to success and
be better prepared for the unexpected.
And it seems that the unexpected is
happening more often.
Festo has developed a new workshop
focused on implementing Industry 4.0,
understanding the core elements and the
challenges that Industry 4.0 presents.
See page 37 for more info and
Festo has also produced a White Paper on
Getting ready for Industry 4.0 which can
be downloaded at:
Change and uncertainty is becoming the norm for
manufacturers, not only in the onwards march towards
Industry 4.0, but also in light of domestic and
international political changes. Those most likely to
flourish are already pre-disposed to change.
While some organisations seem more able to cope with
and respond to change, others are left floundering and
at the mercy of their more agile competitors. So what is
it that makes an organisation more likely to embrace
the implementation of Industry 4.0 projects?
It is the leadership and the readiness to embrace ‘the
new’ and develop a culture that embraces change. We
call this Leadership 4.0 and it is a style of leadership
that will move an organisation through rapid
advancements in technology with a high level of
employee engagement.
Neil Lewin at Festo Training and Consulting highlights
five essential skills required to effectively push through
Industry 4.0:
• The need for speed: The speed of change is
increasing and new entrants to the market can
quickly erode market share. Leaders need to react
quickly to new competition on the horizon
• Autonomy of decision-making: Leadership 4.0 is
about dispersed leadership. Today’s leaders need to
be able to make decisions, maximise opportunities,
react to change and keep clear communication
flowing, free from the shackles of hierarchy and
politics
• Communication: With change and uncertainty comes
anxiety and fear for the future. Good leaders
recognise this and keep lines of communication
open, even when they don’t have all the answers
• Harness talent: There is a plethora of talent and
experience within today’s manufacturing
organisations. Effective leaders recognise talent and
utilise it to fully explore and maximise new
technology
• Provide training: New technology requires new
technical knowledge. Effective leadership identifies
gaps in knowledge and equips the team with the
right skills to optimise Industry 4.0 implementation.
The Five Essential Qualities of
Leadership 4.0
“In change processes,
we often explain the
‘what’, but don’t always
talk about the ‘why’”
Neil Lewin, Consultant for Festo Training and Consulting