Industry 4.0 will enhance but not replace lean manufacturing

Industry 4.0 has long been heralded as the next major step in manufacturing. Not only have the theoretical gains in process efficiency and productivity made reaching Industry 4.0 a common aim across global industries, the potential reduction in manufacturing, running and environmental costs have only sweetened the pot. However, while for many Industry 4.0 is seen as the Holy Grail of manufacturing, for others it represents a hindrance.