The manufacturing industry is about to undergo major changes. As Industry 4.0 gains momentum, it promises smarter factories, robust and digitally enabled supply chains, data-driven processes, AI-powered decision-making, and sustainability initiatives. The global Industry 4.0 market is expected to exceed $300 billion by 2030, indicating its increasing influence on industry operations.
The core of Industry 4.0 is leveraging advanced technologies and traditional systems to build intelligent and sustainable ecosystems.
The role of digital technologies such as IT and artificial intelligence (AI) in this transformation cannot be overstated. In fact, digital is at the heart of this revolution by connecting systems, enabling real-time insights, and optimizing the use of resources.
A catalyst for sustainable manufacturing
Industry 4.0 marks the transition from traditional manufacturing practices to a more connected, automated, and intelligent approach. Imagine a factory where machines communicate seamlessly, processes are coordinated in real-time, and every decision is backed by data and typically driven by AI. This floor-to-top cohesion is now supported by a strong and reliable data backbone, with the entire manufacturing supply chain connected through a digital thread. This is not a vision of the future. That’s the reality that many manufacturers accept today.
Essentially, Industry 4.0 leverages IT-driven technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), AI, cloud and edge computing, big data analytics, and new interventions through generative AI.
However, Industry 4.0 is not just about efficiency. These advances are helping manufacturers rethink the environmental impact of their products from the conceptualization and design stage. For example, IoT sensors make it possible to accurately monitor energy and water usage, ensuring that factories operate in the most sustainable way possible.
Similarly, AI-driven tools can optimize resource allocation, reduce waste, and foster smarter practices overall.
This intersection of technology and manufacturing is more than just a quantum leap in capability. It’s also an opportunity to embed sustainability into the very fabric of how products are made, consumed and maintained.
It is often said that what gets measured gets managed. IT enables manufacturers to measure and manage operations in ways that were not possible before.
Insights generated through IT will enable companies to achieve a balance between innovation and responsibility – a balance that is more important than ever.
For example, AI-powered design systems can simulate the ultimate sustainability impact of product concepts and optimize design features. Robot-driven advanced manufacturing systems can efficiently transform product designs into products, and IoT-powered self-healing devices can predict failures before they occur. Blockchain technology adds an additional layer of accountability, providing transparency and traceability across the supply chain.
These technologies form the backbone of a smart, green manufacturing ecosystem. In a world increasingly defined by finite resources, IT serves as the bridge between operational excellence and environmental management.
exploration of india
The thrust of Industry 4.0 is accelerating India’s journey towards becoming a global manufacturing hub. According to Nasscom’s report on India’s Industry 4.0 implementation, digital technologies are expected to account for 40% of total manufacturing spend by 2025, compared to 20% in 2021. As Indian manufacturing continues to rapidly adopt these technologies, the government is also making significant strides to accelerate the adoption of manufacturing, technology, and sustainable practices.
Initiatives such as ‘Make in India’ and ‘Digital India’ have created a favorable environment for companies to invest and innovate. The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has helped attract investment in key manufacturing sectors. Together, we strengthen India’s unique position as a melting pot of critical priority areas.
At the same time, a skilled workforce that understands and utilizes these tools is essential for sustainable growth. The government’s focus on skills development and technology advancement has enabled the workforce to embrace Industry 4.0.
blueprint for the future
The intersection of IT, manufacturing operations technology (OT), and sustainability in Industry 4.0 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. With Gen AI intervention and focus on building large-scale language models (LLMs) that enable smart digital manufacturing, manufacturing companies can improve overall product design and throughput, and predict production line performance. You will have a great opportunity to This OT and IT systems integration is built on proven technology foundations and IT maturity, providing unparalleled insight across the enterprise. This has paved the way for truly differentiated value, turning IT into a critical enabler for resilient, scalable, adaptable, and integrated enterprises.
India’s strong IT infrastructure, policy framework and talent pool provide the foundation to lead this transformation. By continuing to adopt sustainable practices, investing in innovation and empowering our people, we can truly emerge as a global manufacturing powerhouse that prioritizes both growth and the planet.
The IT blueprint for Industry 4.0 is here and it is clear that it is about smarter systems, responsible choices and a sustainable future for everyone. 
Views are personal. The author is Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairman, HCLTech.
