Industry 4.0 and the criteria of a digital factory

Industry 4.0 The 7 Criteria of a Digital Factory

2025-04-07 From Manuela Kohlhas, Strategic Go-to-Market at PTC | Translated by AI 6 min Reading Time

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At Hannover Messe 2024, it was decided to continue using the term "Industry 4.0" and not to switch to "Industry 5.0". Industry 4.0 is often equated with a digital factory. But what are the criteria for a digital factory? And what are the key aspects and benefits of a fully digitalized production environment?

Networking is a key characteristic of the Internet of Things (IoT).(Image: ipopba - stock.adobe.com) — Networking is a key characteristic of the Internet of Things (IoT).
(Image: ipopba - stock.adobe.com)

The decision to stick with Industry 4.0 underlines the importance and maturity of this concept in modern and global manufacturing technology. But what does it actually mean to operate production in line with Industry 4.0? Essentially, it is about seamlessly integrating digital technologies into production processes and thus creating a "digital factory". This ensures that all areas of production are networked, efficient and flexible.

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