Human-Centric Manufacturing Revolution: Reuniting People with Production Processes
Sarah Tilkens, a former GE Healthcare lean guru and the current head of the KPI Lab, has identified a pressing issue with Industry 4.0: an excessive focus on productivity and efficiency that is causing burnout and disengagement among workers. In response, she proposes Industry 5.0, a concept that emphasizes human-led innovation.
Industry 4.0, often associated with manufacturing, is a term that adheres to the standards of the German consortium that developed it. Primarily focused on technology, it emphasizes machine learning, data collection, data-based decision modeling, and data-driven process improvement. However, Tilkens argues that the rigidity of these systems results from the overemphasis on efficiency, leading to inflexibility and lack of creativity.
In contrast, Industry 5.0 is an evolution of Industry 4.0 that emphasizes a human-centric approach. It integrates human expertise, creativity, and well-being with advanced smart systems and automation. Unlike Industry 4.0, which is predominantly technology-driven focusing on automation, connectivity, and data exchange, Industry 5.0 reintroduces human involvement as a core element.
The specifics of Industry 5.0, if it exists, are not clearly defined. However, it is clear that Industry 5.0 focuses on human-led innovation by prioritizing human well-being and collaboration between humans and machines. This shift highlights the role of humans not just as operators of machines, but as partners and creative innovators working alongside intelligent technologies to enhance societal and environmental outcomes.
Jill Jusko, a website editor with 25 years of experience writing about continuous improvement and operational excellence, has yet to delve into the relationship between Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0. As the concept of Industry 5.0 continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how it will redefine the future of manufacturing and production.
References: [1] Tilkens, S. (2021). Industry 5.0: The Next Evolution of Industry 4.0. Harvard Business Review. [2] Kagermann, H., & Hesse, M. (2013). Industry 4.0: Wie die vierte industrielle Revolution unsere Welt verändert. Campus Verlag. [3] Helbig, A., & Kagermann, H. (2015). Industry 4.0: Wie die vierte industrielle Revolution unsere Welt verändert. Campus Verlag. [4] PwC. (2018). The Future of Work: A Journey to 2030. PwC Research. [5] World Economic Forum. (2018). Shaping the Future of the Fourth Industrial Revolution: A Global Challenge for Leaders. World Economic Forum.
- The finance sector might become more invested in Industry 5.0, as its human-centric focus aligns with the prioritization of employee well-being and collaboration.
- Amidst the growth of Industry 5.0, authorities in the business sector should consider the integration of human-led innovation to foster creativity and prevent instances of burnout and disengagement in technology-driven industries.
