Laptop

Industry 4 to Industry 5

Darren Rigden, Partner, Audit and Business Solutions
28/01/2025
Laptop
The leaps made within industrialisation are described using the terms Industry 1.0 (First Industrial Revolution) up to the most recent development: Industry 5.0, representing a step change towards a more sustainable, human-centric, and resilient industrial future. This is often referred to as being the 5th Industrial Revolution.

The move to Industry 5 makes the work force and environment key in the production process along with innovation and resilience. It also raises the concept of Cobots – the collaboration between humans and robots to improve productivity and sustainability.

How will this be achieved?

To achieve this will require a shift in the way industries operate and interact with society and the environment, for example the use of more regenerative methods and the redesign of systems, supply chains and a focus on sustainability. This ties in with consumer demands for sustainability and social awareness along with government and regulatory requirements.

Advances in technology are behind the move to 5.0 with AI and robotics resulting in much more human-robot interactions and the need for efficient resource management. The integration of advanced technologies into current manufacturing systems and processes will require significant investment and technical expertise to ensure the new and old systems are compatible and work together as well as training the workforce to use them will be challenging.

How will this impact manufacturers?

If implemented correctly the step to Industry 5 will boost productivity and could attract the next generation of workers and apprentices. The idea of ensuring technology and people work together as one should allow manufacturers to maximise efficiency whilst enhancing the human element that is important for innovation and the development of successful customised products. This will lead to improved customer relations whilst reducing costs allowing them to be more competitive.

How can Crowe help

Our consulting teams are well placed to help and can advise on sustainability, resilience and supply chain, change transformation, cyber security, technology, data, analytics and AI.  

In addition, our tax teams can help maximise tax incentives such as R&D tax relief and patent box.  

Our manufacturing team is here to support you both directly and indirectly through our events where you can interact with an learn from your peers and their experiences.  

Contact us

Darren Rigden
Darren Rigden
Partner, Audit and Business Solutions
Kent