Smart factories build bridges to a more efficient supply chain. They also rely on manufacturing using a 'digital twin' - a virtual representation of the product that can be used in design, simulations, optimisations and services, a core concept of IIoT that digitally connects the product at all stages of its lifecycle.

In addition, production machines can be used in the networked execution system to receive orders, report progress, access work instructions and interact with quality management systems.

This will make it easier for workers to access important information such as inventory status. In short, a fully connected smart factory means that all machines are linked to each other, and departments throughout the factory are connected to each other as well as to suppliers and outside customers, which improves and simplifies relationships with them. Activities can be monitored so that the factory can increase its speed and efficiency.

The factory of the future, towards which great strides are being made especially through machine automation, operates autonomously and can identify, diagnose and repair faults without shutting down the entire production line. Industry 4.0 combines the capabilities of computers and the phenomenon of industrialisation to develop much more functional production lines.