{"id":25655,"date":"2026-03-03T22:25:02","date_gmt":"2026-03-03T20:25:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/glossary\/industry-4-0\/"},"modified":"2026-03-06T15:15:33","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T13:15:33","slug":"industry-4-0","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/industry-4-0\/","title":{"rendered":"Industry 4.0"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"background:#f0f1f3;padding:1.5rem;margin-bottom:2rem;border-radius:12px;\">\n<strong>In a nutshell:<\/strong> Industry 4.0 refers to the fourth industrial revolution \u2013 the intelligent networking of machines, processes, and products through digital technologies such as IoT, AI, Cloud Computing, and Cyber-Physical Systems. For manufacturing companies, it is the key to greater efficiency, flexibility, and new business models.\n<\/div>\n<nav style=\"background:#f8f9fa;padding:1.5rem 2rem;border-radius:8px;margin-bottom:2rem;\">\n<strong style=\"font-size:1.1rem;\">Table of Contents<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol style=\"margin:0.75rem 0 0;padding-left:1.25rem;\">\n<li><a href=\"#definition\" style=\"text-decoration:none;color:#1a5276;\">What is Industry 4.0? \u2013 Definition and Classification <\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#technologien\" style=\"text-decoration:none;color:#1a5276;\">Key Technologies of Industry 4.0<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#vorteile\" style=\"text-decoration:none;color:#1a5276;\">Benefits of Industry 4.0 for Companies<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#anwendungen\" style=\"text-decoration:none;color:#1a5276;\">Industry 4.0 Application Areas<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#geschaeftsmodelle\" style=\"text-decoration:none;color:#1a5276;\">New Business Models through Industry 4.0<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#umsetzung\" style=\"text-decoration:none;color:#1a5276;\">Implementing Industry 4.0: Roadmap for SMEs<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#oesterreich\" style=\"text-decoration:none;color:#1a5276;\">Industry 4.0 in Austria<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#faq\" style=\"text-decoration:none;color:#1a5276;\">Frequently Asked Questions about Industry 4.0<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#verwandte-glossar-begriffe\" style=\"text-decoration:none;color:#1a5276;\">Related glossary terms<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h2 id=\"definition\">What is Industry 4.0? \u2013 Definition and Classification <\/h2>\n<p>Industry 4.0 describes the comprehensive digitalization and networking of industrial production. The term was coined in 2011 at the Hannover Messe and marks the fourth stage of industrial development: after the steam engine (1.0), assembly line (2.0), and automation (3.0), now comes the intelligent factory \u2013 the Smart Factory. <\/p>\n<p>At its core, it is about the fusion of the physical with the digital world: machines communicate with each other, products know their own production status, and real-time data analysis enables predictive maintenance and autonomous optimization. These Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) form the technological foundation of Industry 4.0. <\/p>\n<p>However, Industry 4.0 is much more than a technology topic. It is a strategic approach that transforms the entire <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/value-chain\/\">value chain<\/a> \u2013 from procurement to production to customer service. Thus, it is a central driver for <a href=\"\/glossar\/geschaeftsmodell-innovation\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">business model innovation<\/a> in the manufacturing sector.  <\/p>\n<h2 id=\"technologien\">Key Technologies of Industry 4.0<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Internet of Things (IoT):<\/strong> Sensors and networked devices collect real-time data from the entire production environment<\/li>\n<li><strong>Artificial Intelligence (AI):<\/strong> Machine Learning optimizes processes, predicts failures, and enables autonomous decisions \u2013 the basis for an <a href=\"\/glossar\/ki-strategie-unternehmen\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">AI strategy<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Cloud &amp; Edge Computing:<\/strong> Scalable computing power for processing large amounts of data \u2013 centrally or directly at the machine<\/li>\n<li><strong>Digital Twin:<\/strong> Virtual representations of physical objects enable simulation, optimization, and predictive maintenance<\/li>\n<li><strong>Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing):<\/strong> Enables batch size 1 and <a href=\"\/glossar\/prototyping\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Rapid Prototyping<\/a> directly in production<\/li>\n<li><strong>Robotics &amp; Cobots:<\/strong> Collaborative robots work side-by-side with humans and take over repetitive or dangerous tasks<\/li>\n<li><strong>Blockchain:<\/strong> Transparent, tamper-proof documentation of supply chains and quality data<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"vorteile\">Benefits of Industry 4.0 for Companies<\/h2>\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin:1rem 0;\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background:#f1f5f9;\">\n<th style=\"padding:0.75rem;text-align:left;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;\">Area<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding:0.75rem;text-align:left;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;\">Benefit<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding:0.75rem;text-align:left;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;\">Typical Potential<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:0.75rem;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;\">Efficiency<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:0.75rem;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;\">Reduced downtime, optimized utilization<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:0.75rem;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;\">10\u201330% productivity increase<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:0.75rem;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;\">Quality<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:0.75rem;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;\">Real-time quality control, less waste<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:0.75rem;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;\">Up to 50% fewer errors<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:0.75rem;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;\">Flexibility<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:0.75rem;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;\">Batch size 1, fast changeover<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:0.75rem;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;\">Mass customization possible<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:0.75rem;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;\">Speed<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:0.75rem;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;\">Shorter lead times<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:0.75rem;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;\">20\u201350% faster time-to-market<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:0.75rem;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;\">Sustainability<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:0.75rem;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;\">Resource optimization, energy efficiency<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:0.75rem;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;\">Contribution to the <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/circular-economy\/\">circular economy<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"anwendungen\">Industry 4.0 Application Areas<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Predictive Maintenance:<\/strong> Sensors monitor machine conditions in real-time. AI algorithms detect anomalies before failures occur. Result: unplanned downtimes reduced by up to 50%.  <\/p>\n<p><strong>Networked Production:<\/strong> Machines, workpieces, and logistics systems communicate autonomously. Orders manage themselves through production \u2013 the basis for flexible, customer-specific production. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Supply Chain 4.0:<\/strong> Real-time transparency across the entire <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/value-chain\/\">value chain<\/a> \u2013 from raw material procurement to the last mile. <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/data-driven-business-models\/\">Data-driven<\/a> inventory optimization and automatic reordering.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Smart Products:<\/strong> Products collect usage data throughout their lifecycle. This enables new service business models (<a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/servitization-as-a-service-models\/\">Servitization<\/a>) and continuous product improvement. <\/p>\n<h2 id=\"geschaeftsmodelle\">New Business Models through Industry 4.0<\/h2>\n<p>Industry 4.0 not only enables more efficient production but entirely new <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/business-model-patterns\/\">business model patterns<\/a>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/servitization-as-a-service-models\/\">Servitization<\/a>:<\/strong> From product sales to a service model \u2013 machines are not sold but offered as a service (Equipment-as-a-Service)<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/platform-business-model\/\">Platform Business Models<\/a>:<\/strong> Industrial data platforms connect manufacturers, suppliers, and customers in new ecosystems<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/data-driven-business-models\/\">Data-driven Business Models<\/a>:<\/strong> Production data becomes an independent value proposition \u2013 e.g., benchmarking services or process optimization for customers<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/subscription-model\/\">Subscription Models<\/a>:<\/strong> Pay-per-Use or Pay-per-Outcome replace traditional purchasing \u2013 enabled by IoT monitoring<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mass Customization:<\/strong> Individualized products at mass production costs \u2013 a new <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/value-proposition\/\">value proposition<\/a> for the customer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"umsetzung\">Implementing Industry 4.0: Roadmap for SMEs<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Determine the status quo:<\/strong> Evaluate the <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/digital-maturity\/\">digital maturity level<\/a> of production \u2013 which processes are already digitized, where are the biggest levers?<\/li>\n<li><strong>Identify use cases:<\/strong> Prioritize specific application cases \u2013 based on value creation potential and feasibility<\/li>\n<li><strong>Start a pilot project:<\/strong> Begin with a clearly defined pilot \u2013 e.g., predictive maintenance on a critical machine<\/li>\n<li><strong>Build data infrastructure:<\/strong> Gradually implement sensors, interfaces, and a data platform<\/li>\n<li><strong>Build competence:<\/strong> Train employees, form interdisciplinary teams, do not forget <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/change-management\/\">change management<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Scale:<\/strong> Roll out successful pilots to other areas, develop new <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/digital-business-models\/\">digital business models<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2 id=\"oesterreich\">Industry 4.0 in Austria<\/h2>\n<p>Austria is strongly positioned in Industry 4.0 as an industrial location:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Platform Industry 4.0:<\/strong> The national initiative connects companies, research, and politics and offers orientation to SMEs<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cluster Initiatives:<\/strong> Mechatronics Cluster Upper Austria, Silicon Alps (Carinthia\/Styria), Smart Production Austria offer cooperation opportunities<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/innovation-funding\/\">Funding<\/a>:<\/strong> FFG programs such as &#8220;Production of the Future,&#8221; COMET centers, and the research premium support Industry 4.0 projects.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Leading Companies:<\/strong> Companies such as voestalpine, Infineon Austria, and numerous hidden champions are already successfully implementing Industry 4.0<\/li>\n<li><strong>Research:<\/strong> TU Wien, TU Graz, JKU Linz, and universities of applied sciences are intensively researching Industry 4.0 technologies and offer cooperation opportunities for SMEs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"background:linear-gradient(135deg,#1e3a5f,#2563eb);color:#fff;padding:2rem;border-radius:12px;margin:2rem 0;text-align:center;\">\n<h3 style=\"color:#fff;margin-top:0;\">Approaching Industry 4.0 Strategically<\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-size:1.1rem;\">From maturity level analysis to use case prioritization and implementation support \u2013 we help manufacturing SMEs implement Industry 4.0 pragmatically and value-addingly.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/business-model-innovation-services\/\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#fff;color:#1e3a5f;padding:0.75rem 2rem;border-radius:8px;text-decoration:none;font-weight:600;margin-top:0.5rem;\">Book a consultation now \u2192<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<div itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/FAQPage\">\n<h2 id=\"faq\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)<\/h2>\n<details itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" style=\"background:#eaecee;border-radius:8px;margin-bottom:0.75rem;overflow:hidden;\">\n<summary itemprop=\"name\" style=\"padding:1rem 1.2rem;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#2c3e50;\">Is Industry 4.0 only relevant for large companies?<\/summary>\n<div itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"padding:0 1.2rem 1rem;color:#2c3e50;\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\" style=\"margin-top:0.75rem;\">\n<p>No. Industry 4.0 is highly relevant for SMEs in the manufacturing sector \u2013 and increasingly affordable. Cloud-based IoT solutions, SaaS models, and modular platforms lower entry barriers. The key is to start with concrete use cases that quickly create value, rather than planning a comprehensive smart factory from scratch.   <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" style=\"background:#eaecee;border-radius:8px;margin-bottom:0.75rem;overflow:hidden;\">\n<summary itemprop=\"name\" style=\"padding:1rem 1.2rem;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#2c3e50;\">What are the costs of implementing Industry 4.0?<\/summary>\n<div itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"padding:0 1.2rem 1rem;color:#2c3e50;\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\" style=\"margin-top:0.75rem;\">\n<p>Costs vary depending on the scope. An initial pilot (e.g., predictive maintenance on one machine) can be realized for \u20ac10,000\u2013\u20ac30,000. Comprehensive digitalization programs for manufacturing SMEs are in the six-figure range \u2013 often spread over several years. Funding can cover 40\u201360% of the costs. Important: The investment should always be proportionate to the expected ROI.    <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" style=\"background:#eaecee;border-radius:8px;margin-bottom:0.75rem;overflow:hidden;\">\n<summary itemprop=\"name\" style=\"padding:1rem 1.2rem;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#2c3e50;\">Does Industry 4.0 replace human labor?<\/summary>\n<div itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"padding:0 1.2rem 1rem;color:#2c3e50;\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\" style=\"margin-top:0.75rem;\">\n<p>Industry 4.0 changes jobs, but it does not replace them across the board. Repetitive and dangerous tasks are increasingly automated, while new, more skilled roles emerge: data analysts, robot programmers, IoT specialists. The shortage of skilled workers in Austria often makes automation a prerequisite for remaining competitive. Accompanying change management and training programs are crucial.   <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" style=\"background:#eaecee;border-radius:8px;margin-bottom:0.75rem;overflow:hidden;\">\n<summary itemprop=\"name\" style=\"padding:1rem 1.2rem;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#2c3e50;\">How are Industry 4.0 and digital transformation related?<\/summary>\n<div itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"padding:0 1.2rem 1rem;color:#2c3e50;\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\" style=\"margin-top:0.75rem;\">\n<p>Industry 4.0 is the industry-specific manifestation of <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/digital-transformation\/\">digital transformation<\/a> for the manufacturing industry. While digital transformation encompasses all industries and business areas, Industry 4.0 focuses on the networking and digitalization of production and industrial value creation. In practice, both concepts overlap significantly \u2013 especially when it comes to new business models, data strategies, and organizational change.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"background:#eaecee;border-radius:8px;padding:0;margin-bottom:0.75rem;\">\n<summary style=\"padding:1rem 1.2rem;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#2c3e50;list-style:none;\">What is the difference between Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing?<\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding:0 1.2rem 1rem 1.2rem;\">Smart manufacturing is broader and includes any use of advanced technology to improve production, while Industry 4.0 specifically refers to the fourth industrial revolution characterized by cyber-physical systems, IoT, and connected data ecosystems. Industry 4.0 emphasizes horizontal integration across the entire value chain, not just within one factory. In practice, smart manufacturing can be a stepping stone toward full Industry 4.0 implementation, starting with digitizing individual machines or processes before connecting entire systems.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Related Terms<\/h2>\n<div style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;margin-top:0.5rem;\">\n<a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/innovation-management\/\">Innovation Management<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/design-thinking\/\">Design Thinking<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"\/en\/glossary\/business-model-innovation\/\">Business Model Innovation<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/digital-transformation\/\">Digital Transformation<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/lean-startup\/\">Lean Startup<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/change-management\/\">Change Management<\/a>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In a nutshell: Industry 4.0 refers to the fourth industrial revolution \u2013 the intelligent networking of machines, processes, and products through digital technologies such as IoT, AI, Cloud Computing, and&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":24529,"parent":25140,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-25655","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Point-of-New-Business-Model-Innovation-Benedikt-Hasibeder-scaled.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25655","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25655"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25655\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28060,"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25655\/revisions\/28060"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25140"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24529"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25655"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}