Re-Industrialization: An Opportunity for the Industrie 4.0

A France That Is Gradually Re-Industrializing

According to a recent study by the firm Ancoris, there were just over 190 factory installation projects in France from January to June: 80% higher than for the same period of the previous year. L'Usine Nouvelle also lists figures in line with this in its annual ranking. In 2021, there were twice as many site openings as closures (53 for 24). One might think that the billions put on the table by the French government during the recovery plan are not unrelated to this. The State seeks to encourage a return of French industry and make it more competitive, especially in breakthrough technologies.

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Re-industrialization Favorable to the Industry 4.0

After such a health crisis, the supply chains employed in European industry need to be reviewed and notably shortened, making them less sensitive to systemic, geopolitical, and currency risks. It is also an opportunity for manufacturers to accelerate their transition to Industry 4.0. All the related technologies (AI, IoT, etc.) already have an up-and-coming research and training ecosystem in France.

For a long time, low labor costs and tax advantages outside Europe weighed in the balance, encouraging relocation. Today, know-how and skilled labor make a country's industrial strengths. The delivery cost is no longer as high as in the past, and technical performance takes precedence. A sector in which French excellence is no longer in question.

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The Fundamental Levers for Re-Industrialization in France

As activity industrialization projects have generally been outsourced in recent years, some players could be affected by a lack of skills and experience in carrying out these projects. This can lead to over-investment and slower ramp-up times, leading to cost overruns and customer dissatisfaction.

Through interviews with numerous industrialists, Bpifrance has identified the strategic priorities for a transition towards the relocation and the "industrie du futur", the French name for Industrie 4.0.

• Improve quality and flexibility throughout the value chain by modernizing production tools and digitalizing the company at all levels; 
• Transforming the company by focusing on human capital, accompanying the transformation of professions and skills within the company;
• To rely on an internationally competitive "Made in France" while rethinking its industrial plan in line with new technologies and customer expectations;
• Rethink business development by making solid strategic choices in terms of positioning and differentiation and by continuously revisiting its strategy;
• Develop its ecosystem to create more value by building quality, long-term and trusting relationships with key players in the sector;
• To commit to the ecological transition of the company by building the "clean" factory of tomorrow and by anticipating regulations and consumer expectations;
• Reinventing the relationship between subcontractors and principals by positioning itself as a technological partner or providing solutions. "
  

Dillygence is part of the French "Deep Tech" ecosystem and is committed to supporting manufacturers in their transition to the industry 4.0. Through its expertise in industrial performance, industrialization, organization, and management of industrial flows, Dillygence is led to support manufacturers in their projects of innovative factories, including a manufacturer of batteries for electric vehicles.

Using our modeling, simulation, and optimization tools at this stage, we help our clients make the right choices, save time, and size their investments accordingly.

Then, once the plant is operational, we can provide our customers with visualization and analysis solutions. We enable them to optimize their operational performance and identify the most profitable actions to be implemented. This type of solution is in line with the first strategic objective mentioned by BPI.