Singapore, November 13, 2017 – Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), in partnership with global testing, inspection, certification and training company TÜV SÜD, launched a world-first tool – The Singapore Smart Industry Readiness Index – to help industrial companies harness the potential of Industry 4.0 in a systematic and comprehensive way.
The Index serves as a diagnostic tool that companies - across all industries and sizes - can use to better understand Industry 4.0 concepts, evaluate the current state of their facilities, architect a comprehensive transformation roadmap and deliver concrete, sustained value for their businesses.
EDB’s Assistant Managing Director Lim Kok Kiang said, “As part of our efforts to enhance the competitiveness of Singapore’s manufacturing sectors, the Index provides a common framework for all companies to participate in, and benefit from, Industry 4.0.”
He added, “Many companies often put technology first. With this Index, we put people and processes alongside technology, so that companies can maximise the potential of Industry 4.0.”
Prof Dr –Ing Axel Stepken, Chairman of the Board of Management, TÜV SÜD described the Index as a world-first for the industry.
“The Index gives clear orientation to manufacturers on what Industry 4.0 means and how they can initiate their transformation journey. It is a world’s first Industry 4.0 tool that is developed by the government for nation-wide transformation of industrial sectors. Strongly aligned with Industry 4.0 and other global manufacturing initiatives, it has the potential to be the global standard for the future of manufacturing,” he said.
The Index draws reference from the RAMI 4.0 framework1 and was validated by an advisory panel of 21 academic and industry experts. To strike a balance between technical rigour and usability, the Index was piloted with both small medium enterprises (SMEs) and multinational corporations (MNCs) in Singapore. The Index also received the support of Singapore Government agencies.
(See Annex A for details of partners and the advisory panel)
“While the term Industry 4.0 was created several years ago, many manufacturing companies, particularly SMEs, remain unfamiliar with it,” said Mr Desmond Goh, Director of food manufacturing SME, People Bee Hoon, “This Index is an intuitive and realistic reference framework which is useful for all industrial companies, both big and small, to not only learn these new concepts but also to apply them to our facilities.”
The Index: ensuring no aspects are overlooked
The Index comprises three layers. At the top are the 3 fundamental building blocks of Industry 4.0: Process, Technology and Organization. Underpinning these building blocks are 8 pillars of focus. These pillars then map onto 16 dimensions of assessment, which represent the key components that any organisation must consider.
For each of the 16 dimensions, the Index provides an assessment matrix which companies can use to evaluate their current processes, systems, and structures within one to two days. The assessment matrix also doubles as a step-by-step improvement guide, as each dimension provides intermediate steps needed for companies to progress.
To Mr Yeoh Pit Wee, Director for Manufacturing Operations, Rockwell Automation, the Index helps companies perform a comprehensive evaluation of their facilities.
“Often, companies tend to focus excessively on shop floor automation and underinvest in equally important areas such as process design and workforce competency. The Index serves as a useful counter-check to ensure that no dimensions are overlooked, in order to capture maximum value from any Industry 4.0 initiatives,” he said.
Mr Hashim Baba, Plant Manager, Becton Dickinson Singapore added, “The Index allows our manufacturing team to take stock of what we are doing well and where we can do better. This forms a good basis to build a shared Industry 4.0 vision and strategy, enabling us to take decisive action in initiating a multi-year transformation journey.”
Workshops on the Index
To help companies understand and use the Index, EDB and TÜV SÜD will be conducting a series of four workshops in the next few months. Companies can register to attend for free.
Details of the workshops and a downloadable copy of the Index can be found at https://www.edb.gov.sg/content/edb/en/news-and-events/news/2017- news/advanced-manufacturing-release.html
About the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB)
The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), a government agency under the Ministry of Trade and Industry, is responsible for strategies that enhance Singapore’s position as a global centre for business, innovation, and talent. We undertake investment promotion and industry development, and work with international businesses, both foreign and local, by providing information, connection to partners and access to government incentives for their investments. Our mission is to create sustainable economic growth, with vibrant business and good job opportunities for Singapore.
For more information on EDB, please visit
www.edb.gov.sg.
For media queries, please contact:
Mr Clement Cher
Senior Lead, Marketing & Communications
Singapore Economic Development Board
Tel: (65) 6832 6706
Email:
clement_cher@edb.gov.sg
Ms Leow Si Wan Head,
Marketing & Communications
Singapore Economic Development Board
Tel: (65) 6832 6546
Email:
leow_si_wan@edb.gov.sg
Posted on Jul 13, 2020 under
PRESS RELEASE