When it comes to Québec’s manufacturing sector, there is increasing talk about the fourth industrial revolution. Find out about the new technologies that support this industry and why local manufacturers have every interest in making the shift to 4.0.
The manufacturing sector: a pillar of the Québec economy
The manufacturing sector is without a doubt a strong point of the Québec economy. On its own, it accounts for 90% of Québec exports, generates almost 800,000 direct and indirect jobs and has spinoffs of over $69.3 billion[1].
With the advent of new technologies, we are experiencing what we call the fourth industrial revolution or Industry 4.0: local companies and their production systems are operating in a complex environment with stiff global competition. Why? Because the continued evolution of new technologies and the transformation of markets and certain occupations are prompting businesses to modernize their processes to become more innovative and competitive. Local companies also have to make this shift.
New technologies are an important lever for competitiveness in manufacturing. They allow manufacturers to increase productivity and efficiency using digital solutions adapted to their activities. But what are these new 4.0 tools?
Leading-edge technologies serving local business success
New leading-edge technologies include a wide range of innovative software, hardware and equipment that can drive a business and its production, such as:
- The Internet of Things (for example, smart sensors, cloud computing, connected objects that generate data to track production speed in real time)
- Cobots
- Additive manufacturing, also called 3D printing
- E-textiles
- Active or intelligent packaging
Montréal is a centre for innovation and research. Many research centres, particularly university centres, operate here, and the city is recognized for its artificial intelligence expertise. The manufacturing sector accounts for 55% of R&D spending in Québec, making it an innovative, leading-edge sector. The conditions are in place for manufacturers to effectively integrate new 4.0 technologies.
The Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal’s Acclr international trade experts attended the largest industrial technology trade show in the world: Hannover Messe. Watch images of one of the new leading-edge tools that can increase manufacturing productivity:
Want to find out more about digital 4.0 in the manufacturing industry? Take part in our May 11, 2018 Strategic Forum “The manufacturing sector springs into action", organized in partnership with Investissement Québec.
[1] Direct and indirect spinoffs. Source: https://www.banquelaurentienne.ca/sn_uploads/pdf/manufacturier_deloitte.pdf