Welcome to The Innovation Threshold A space to help you unpack the concept of Industry 4.0
The world of business especially those focusing on manufacturing Consumer Packaged Goods stands at a pivotal moment—a threshold between traditional industrial practices and the digital revolution known as Industry 4.0.
But have we truly crossed over this threshold? Have we moved from Industry 3.0 to Industry 4.0?
OR are we still standing at the edge, waiting for the full impact of automation, artificial intelligence, and interconnected systems to take hold?
The Innovation Threshold
is a space dedicated to exploring this transition, understanding where we are in the Industry 4.0 journey, and uncovering how Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) are evolving—or resisting change. Every person in the world is related to the CPG industry in some way. Weather you are a Leader in it, a worker in it, or a consumer of Packaged Goods, the move into Industry 4.0 will impact you.
All those impacted people! Everyone could and does have an idea on how to make the world a better place related to the goods they consume. Let’s explore some of those ideas together and see what is over the horizon and what’s next
Unlocking Industry 4.0 - What are we talking about?
Industry 4.0 promises a future of smart factories, predictive maintenance, real-time analytics, and fully automated production lines. But progress isn’t linear. Some manufacturers have leaped ahead, implementing IIoT-driven automation, AI-powered quality control, and blockchain-enhanced supply chains, while others still struggle with legacy systems, workforce adaptation, and data security risks. Where does your Company stand in this journey?
Industry 4.0 is an evolution from the launch of the digital revolution that began circa 1950 - 1970. This period was the beginning of the transition from mechanical and analog systems into digital electronics, robotics, and other forms of automation. In 1968 Modicon launched the first Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). General Motors took this innovation and put it first to use. Please check out our article links above to get a deeper dive into the crossing of this Innovation Threshold. You can also several resources online
How Industry 4.0 Impacts Consumer Package Goods Industry
From automated production lines to AI-driven demand forecasting for global CPG brands, Industry 4.0 is reshaping how products are made, tracked, and delivered. The Innovation Threshold dives into real-world applications, emerging technologies, and industry case studies to explore:
The shift toward connected factories that leverage IIoT for efficiency.
How robotics and automation are transforming packaging and distribution.
The role of big data and predictive analytics in reducing downtime and optimizing production.
Challenges like cybersecurity, workforce reskilling, and the cost of digital transformation.
Boots on the Ground: Real Stories from the Factory Floor
This isn’t just theory. The Innovation Threshold brings insights from engineers, plant managers, automation specialists, and industry leaders who are living this transformation daily. Through interviews, case studies, and firsthand experiences, we’ll highlight what’s working, what’s failing, and what’s next for Industry 4.0 in the CPG world.
Are We There Yet? What is the tipping point?
Some believe we’ve already arrived in the era of smart manufacturing, while others argue we’re still at the tipping point. The Innovation Threshold exists to explore this question—where are we, what’s holding us back, and what will it take to fully embrace the next industrial revolution? You will find help here in understanding what you can or need to do to unlock the next level of industrial performance.
Join us as we navigate the future of CPG and spirits manufacturing, unlocking the potential, challenges, and breakthroughs shaping Industry 4.0.
