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In Quebec, technological challenges combined with a labor shortage, personalization and online sales are propelling Industry 4.0 to the top of essential organizational trends.
The new technological era
Especially in the manufacturing sector, Industry 4.0 is materialized by the use of artificial intelligence and operational solutions facilitating real-time communication between interconnected systems and company actors.
“The implementation of Industry 3.0 involves the automation of processes and manufacturing processes, such as robotization, ERP or CRM. With 4.0, we are entering a world that takes advantage of the exponential amount of data ”, explains Ludovic Duquette Dépatie, Director of Investments, Technologies, at Solidarity Fund FTQ.
Thus, Industry 4.0 is characterized by the constant contribution of digital technologies to the company’s value chain. Ultimately, these innovations improve control, quality, production and performance.
Quebec on the move
The next few years are shaping up to be decisive for a good number of companies and leaders here, called upon to skillfully negotiate this shift towards Industry 4.0. The challenge? Gain market share, and above all, avoid falling behind, faced with an insurmountable challenge.
In this regard, the team of Funds actively participates in these technological integrations, in a context where the current economic recovery requires both daring, agility and significant investments.
“Everywhere in Quebec, the Fund supports the management of companies concerned about their growth. In this regard, investments aimed at implementing these new technological solutions are at the top of our strategies, ”points out Martin Latreille, Director of Investments, Industries, at the Fonds de solidarité FTQ.
Adapt to international competition
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Mr. Latreille stresses that global competition is increasing, and that to maintain their competitiveness, our companies must become more productive. “The current period is proving to be decisive in initiating a transition to Industry 4.0, a key lever for development and differentiation for the future. “He assesses that” organizations that now put in place solutions leading to an innovative manufacturer will benefit from several advantages. “
In numbers, profitability, reduced labor costs, asset optimization and flexibility in the manufacturing process “amplify product value while improving profit margins.” “
Industry 4.0 in the field
In all regions of Quebec, we talk about real-time control and adjustment of machines and equipment, at each stage of production. This technological arsenal includes smart sensors, the Internet of Things (IoT), network technologies (5G and Wi-Fi 6), big data (big data) and artificial intelligence.
Organizations that follow suit introduce innovative processes, optimize their operations, in addition to improving the performance of their sales cycle, whether business-to-business (b2b) or retail (b2c). Simple but long-lasting actions, such as eliminating paper, are called for.
When necessity rules
Please note: we are not talking about a passing trend here, but rather a real necessity, which is leading companies into a whole new operational cycle.
According to Ludovic Duquette Dépatie, Industry 4.0 stands out as an essential solution to optimize sales, reduce costs or improve product quality. “For the organizations that the Fund supports, this competitive advantage leaves greater room for maneuver and even allows the creation of new sources of income,” he says.
In this wake, the Fund recently set up the Ast Grouphuthis. This team of specialists supports the Fund’s partner companies by offering them tangible actions to resolve the strategic and operational challenges of tomorrow. “Always by capitalizing on people as a driving force for change, and by promoting the development of technologies developed in Quebec”, assures Ludovic Duquette Dépatie.
A matter of time
From this perspective, waiting a little too long risks shaking the foundations of hesitant companies. This is all the more true in a context where many are already dealing with labor shortages and fluctuating costs, in several sectors.
“Sooner or later our businesses, primarily SMEs, will be forced to convert to these new technological solutions and processes. If only to adequately meet the requirements of their customers and suppliers, ”warns Ludovic Duquette Dépatie.
People at the heart of technology
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Good news, these innovations remain compatible with human management and benevolence. Why? Because a successful transformation of systems and processes involves the participation of the workforce concerned. A collaboration punctuated by exchanges, listening and openness.
While some fear that robotization, artificial intelligence and data management will lead to job losses, Martin Latreille is on the contrary optimistic. “This is a transition, which first and foremost involves the establishment of a collaborative environment. SMEs and even very small businesses that successfully negotiate this technological shift are supporting this development by transforming their leadership and their management style. ”
People therefore remain at the heart of concerns, but organizations must also provide their teams with the means to innovate and adapt to these new ways of seeing and doing, he analyzes. “Training is also a key factor in a successful transition, providing teams with the necessary means to innovate and adapt to new realities. “
Promising investments
“Quebec companies must first go through automation to fully benefit from the gains of 4.0″, adds Martin Latreille. “They must now embark on this path, progress by stages and by projects, to adapt and above all, to integrate this vision 4.0 into a global strategic plan. ”
If Quebec and Canada are lagging behind other regions of the world, Ludovic Duquette Dépatie considers the gap to be catching up. He indicates that the Fund invests as much in companies that design new digital technologies as in supporting traditional organizations wishing to move to the next level.
New source of prosperity
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In the opinion of the two specialists, this transition to Industry 4.0 is essential. Considered one of the pillars of the Quebec economy, the manufacturing sector represents 14% of the province’s economic activity. It alone accounts for 765,000 jobs and 90% of Quebec exports.
“Collectively, we gain by capitalizing on Quebec expertise, especially since we have an impressive pool of talent in the technological field. We must build by drawing on our own strengths, ”concludes Ludovic Duquettte Dépatie.
To date, more than 3,300 partner companies have trusted the Solidarity Fund FTQ to finance their operations and thus participate in the economic prosperity of Quebec.
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