publive-image

The development of new applications of disruptive technologies is rapidly gearing up the new industrial revolution, called the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0). This digital revolution is making a considerable impact on industries, enabling companies to enhance their capabilities in a standardized, objective, and effective way. As we move towards industry 4.0, more transactions are conducted digitally, and this will require a digital representation of an individual’s identity.

This proof of identity is a fundamental prerequisite for humans to access critical services and be a part of modern economic, social and political systems. Their digital identity is critical for devices in conducting transactions, particularly as the devices will be capable of transacting on their own way in the coming years. To control them, machines and components require digital identity and verification similar to individuals so they can trust each other while communicating and working together. This is also essential for managing the lifecycle of the individual machines from assembly until recycling. Additionally, it is needed for closing the gap in the new world of smart manufacturing operations connected with information technology.

Identity is the first major step of every transaction between two or more parties. As ERP systems gather various information from machines for scheduling, long term planning, predictive maintenance, and more, a unique digital ID for the machines is required by default in Industry 4.0. In this way, digital verification and signature solutions can work as a collaborative platform that brings together suppliers and logistics in terms of digital onboarding of the components and machines and supports transportation logistics. This will securely manage the identity through the transport and until installation.

Digital identity apparatuses offer greater promise in delivering efficiency, security and trust across industries. From the requirement of financial services to government-issued identification, digital identity makes transactions easier for the movement of people, funds, goods, and data and other resources.

In the internet of things world where each device is connected poses a diverse and unique complexity and challenges in terms of security. Thus, machines and devices in the IoT ecosystem must not only realize a multitude of standards and protocols but must also tackle prevalent fragmentation in each industry where Industry 4.0 solutions operate.

Also, these devices must be able to transmit trusted information between themselves and to their owners, suppliers and providers. Thus, in the industrial revolution age, a digitized form of identity is vital as it supports functions such as ownership and trust.