The manufacturing landscape is undergoing a profound transformation in the era of Industry 4.0, characterized by the integration of digital technologies, automation, and data-driven decision-making. Quality 4.0 is at the heart of this evolution.

An Industry 4.0 mindset and a “lights-out” style of operation is driving quality and manufacturing teams to integrate measurements and process controls more tightly. The hope is that localized, closed loops will provide great benefits, including lower manufacturing costs, lower labor costs, and improved product quality.

Since no programming skills are required for easy-to-use machine vision software, industrial image processing can provide a valuable contribution to digitization for small and medium-sized companies.

Camera sensors and new machine vision applications tend to drive parallel advances in optics, and optics suppliers must continually evolve as machine vision technologies progress.

2.0 — I’m guessing that just by writing this number, in this format, many of you know where I’m heading.

The manufacturing industry has seen major upheaval over the past few years. From supply chain disruption to worker shortages, keeping the pipeline filled with quality products – free of defects – has been no easy challenge. Because of these issues, the promise of Industry 4.0, or smart manufacturing, has never been more important.

We review essential software specifications and cover how those attributes can be leveraged when considering computer-controlled physical product testing equipment in the lab or on the shop floor.

The topic of Quality 4.0 is rapidly becoming a legend due to its mysterious nature; it seemingly has no formal description. Very few people can confidently say that they have seen it or used it. 

Manufacturers are now embracing the move to the digitization of their production processes. Many initial project goals are very narrowly focused around removing manpower, manual errors, and running 24/7 to improve total output. These are all worthy goals for sure. Yet, this approach leaves many facets in their overall process often overlooked. There are critical questions that must be asked.

The Internet of Things (IoT) and, in a broader sense, the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) is the omnipresent new paradigm in manufacturing today, profoundly affecting the way manufacturers are operating or are planning to operate.