Industry 4.0 digital transformation is the systematic application of ICTs to all production processes across the board. If industry is to keep up with the pace being set by other sectors it needs to go all out for innovation and bring all technologies into line with its needs, boosting efficiency, cutting costs and generating new business models and new ways of interacting with external agents.

One of the stiffest challenges set by Industry 4.0 is to find out how far this revolution can go and which enabling technologies are needed. It was precisely with this aim in mind that the Digital Enterprise Show came into being, one of the world’s main digital-transformation events. The latest show in the series (DES 2017) boasted no fewer than 400 international speakers, who shared their experiences of the main aspects of business-process digitalization.

For GMV, as one of the country’s benchmark technology firms, this was an unmissable event; it therefore took part in the Spain Pavilion organized by the Spanish Foreign Trade Institute (Instituto de Comercio Exterior: ICEX). From this stage GMV displayed its most game-changing solutions and services in the various sectors it trades in. Manuel Gómez Langley, a member of GMV’s Industry 4.0 team, also gave a presentation with an interesting take on digital-transformation enabling technologies and talent management.

During his speech Gómez Langley explained how the enabling technologies (such as Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, Robotics and Autonomous Systems, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, the Internet of Things and disruptive technologies) are generating new jobs for future generations, like Data Scientist, Cloud Computing Architect, Cybersecurity Expert or UI/UX Designer. “These brand-new professions are now driving skills such as creativity, emotional intelligence, liaison and critical thought”, he added.

GMV showcased its range of Industry 4.0 projects, such as the autonomous robotics or industrial plant sensorization and data analysis initiatives for the Oil & Gas sector (large corporations). He also mentioned several other areas, ranging from environmental study (for such applications as improved agriculture, detection of toxic clouds, earth movements or desertification), interconnected cars and intelligent transportation to the Big Science industry.

He also stressed current R&D investment, where, in collaboration with the Industrial Technology Development Center (CDTI), GMV is carrying out the PRODUCTIO (PROductivity InDUstrial enhanCement through enabling TechnolOgies) project, developing Industry 4.0 enabling technologies applied to the automobile, heavy industry sectors and small companies developing specific products where predictive maintenance is the key to success.