Establishment of an Industrie 4.0 Expert Group

By the end of November, GPQI Indonesia held its first expert exchange on Industrie 4.0. It marked the starting point of an expert group that will continue to work on Industrie 4.0. During the exchange, GPQI gathered input about priorities and focus areas within the nexus of QI-related Industrie 4.0.

 

Stakeholders from various companies and associations came together to discuss the best method to successfully implement a quality infrastructure framework for Industrie 4.0 in Indonesia and Germany. The exchange was led by Mr Fadli Hamsani (GM Enterprise Solution Management for Telkomsel) and Mr Matthias Gommel (Technical Regulation and Standardisation for Siemens Asia Pacific).

 

Industrie 4.0: Implementation of IEC standards are key for a successful transformation

In Indonesia, technology adoption for Industrie 4.0 is accelerating due to the pandemic. The need for connectivity and positive output - such as increasing effectiveness, reducing machine downtime and improving forecasting accuracy - have led industries to engage in smart manufacturing. This results in a growing demand for an Industrie 4.0 ecosystem.

 

Mr Fadli expressed the need for standardisation to build this ecosystem. He highlighted that Indonesia has introduced the Indonesia Industry 4.0 Readiness Index (INDI 4.0) and the Industry 4.0 Digital Center (PIDI 4.0) for Industrie 4.0 adoption. INDI 4.0 measures the readiness of companies to transform into Industrie 4.0 companies. PIDI 4.0 provides services for companies to build and improve their readiness. The Readiness Index is based on lighthouse industries that have successfully implemented and adopted Industrie 4.0. However, as Mr Fadli stated, the reference architecture for Industrie 4.0 adoption must be based on standards. This is crucial for small and medium-sized enterprises, who seek to adopt the current industrial revolution.

 

A Quality framework for Industrie 4.0 implementation

Mr Gommel highlighted the importance of Industrie 4.0 for sustainability. When adopting Industrie 4.0, companies can operate smarter and more efficiently by using fewer resources and less energy.

 

However, international standards, from IEC TC 65, are required for the implementation, especially for interoperability in applying the state-of-the-art technology. Mr Gommel emphasised the use of international IEC standards to avoid multiple efforts for national development and to achieve international compatibility of products and systems. With reference to international IEC standards as a foundation, a uniform technical regulation can be created. This ensures a high level of quality, safety and security for manufacturing and products.

 

In Germany, the implementation of international standards for Industrie 4.0 is summarised within the German Standardization Roadmap Industrie 4.0. The objective of the roadmap is to inform stakeholders in their respective areas of important basic requirements and to assist in fulfilling them.

 

Both speakers’ notion for standardisation was echoed by the experts attending the exchange. During the event, experts discussed the framework for Industrie 4.0 standards. They were especially interested in the topics of retrofitting, Global Production Language (OPC UA) and regularity framework for Industrie 4.0.

 

Jointly working towards internationally harmonised standards

Ultimately, the application of a consistent set of international standards specifically from IEC TC 65 is needed for Industrie 4.0. These standards provide a source of knowledge for the adoption and implementation of Industrie 4.0, and thus improve sustainability and quality. The expert group will serve as a platform to exchange information and knowledge. This is intended to create a common understanding and promote participation in a quality infrastructure for Industrie 4.0.