The author of this article is Raymond Sheen, PMP®, LSS BB, an experience business leader, instructor of Industry 4.0 courses at Central Connecticut State University, and co-author of the book Digital Transformation Demystified. Learn more about him at the end of this article.
Embracing Industry 4.0: Transforming Business and Workforce Development
The manufacturing industry is at the forefront of an exciting transformation. At Central Connecticut State University, we’ve been working diligently to develop professional development courses that equip small and mid-sized manufacturers with the tools they need to embrace Industry 4.0 and Model-Based Definition (MBD).
What is Industry 4.0?
To understand Industry 4.0, it’s helpful to reflect on the journey of industrial revolutions over the past 250 years.
- First Industrial Revolution: The introduction of the steam engine in the late 1700s and early 1800s shifted production from small workshops to central factories.
- Second Industrial Revolution: The advent of electricity and assembly lines in the early 20th century enabled mass production.
- Third Industrial Revolution: Mid-20th-century innovations in computer technology, including CNC machines and programmable logic controllers, brought precision and efficiency to manufacturing.
- Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0): Today, Industry 4.0 connects systems digitally across the shop floor and business operations. By creating integrated digital data streams, businesses can operate faster, more cost-effectively, and with higher customer satisfaction.
Industry 4.0 is more than a technological upgrade; it represents a transformation in business processes and organizational structures. Silos are replaced with integrated, multi-functional systems, and decision-making shifts to the edges of operations, empowering operators.
Supporting Digital Transformation in Connecticut
To support this transformation, the Department of Defense awarded Connecticut a grant to develop courses that assist manufacturers in navigating Industry 4.0. These programs are designed to address the needs of executives, engineers, manufacturing teams, IT professionals, and HR departments. This is organized under a sub-award with the CT DECD (Department of Economic and Community Development) with financial support from the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation, Department of Defense.
Overview of Industry 4.0 Courses
For Executives:
- Introduction to MBD for Executives: A hybrid training and workshop program introducing executives to Industry 4.0 concepts while helping them develop a tailored transition plan.
For Engineers:
- Developing a Digital Twin: A three-day course focusing on creating and maintaining digital twins using the MBD framework.
- Introduction to SolidWorks: A one-day course providing an overview of SolidWorks, the design software favored by DOD OEMs.
- Data Foundations: A two-day course uniting engineering, manufacturing, and IT teams to establish an effective MBD framework.
For Manufacturing Teams:
- Industry 4.0 for Manufacturing Managers: A one-day course addressing process and people management in an Industry 4.0 environment.
- Production Technician Certificate Program: A 35-hour program equipping displaced workers with skills to manage and troubleshoot automated processes.
- Data Foundations: A two-day course uniting engineering, manufacturing, and IT teams to establish an effective MBD framework.
For IT Professionals:
- Cybersecurity for Manufacturing: A two-day course covering cybersecurity essentials for networked manufacturing equipment.
- Cybersecurity Technician Certificate Program: A 35-hour program training individuals to operate and maintain cybersecurity systems.
- Data Foundations: A two-day course uniting engineering, manufacturing, and IT teams to establish an effective MBD framework.
For HR Professionals:
- HR Leadership in Industry 4.0: A program guiding HR teams in recruiting and training for the new skillsets required in a digital manufacturing environment.
General Awareness:
- Industry 4.0 Video Series: Short, discussion-based videos designed for staff meetings and lunch-and-learn sessions.
Building the Workforce of the Future
These courses reflect the need for workforce development as businesses embrace Industry 4.0. The transition is as much about people as it is about technology, requiring new skills, collaboration, and a shared vision for the future.
If you’re interested in learning more about these programs, contact the Department of Professional Education at Central Connecticut State University. Together, we can transform manufacturing for a new era.
About the Author
Raymond Sheen, PMP®, LSS BB, is a veteran business leader with over 35 years of executive, functional, and project management experience working in government, industry and as an independent consultant. Ray is author of the book, Guide to Building Your Business Case, published by Harvard Business Review Press and is a co-author of the books Digital Transformation Demystified and Guide to Project Management. Ray was a member of a select committee that drafted the Digital Transformation Manifesto. Ray is currently an adjunct professor with Worcester Polytechnic Institute where he teaches systems thinking and project leadership in the MBA program and Central CT State University where he teaches Six Sigma Green Belt and Black Belt and Industry 4.0. In addition, he teaches and consults in process improvement, digital transformation, project management, product development, strategy development, and risk management. Ray is a Fellow at the Institute for Digital Transformation. Find him on LinkedIn.