Navigate Industry 4.0 with the Industrial Automation Playbook – A New Training Resource

CEW EFC 2022 Logo 400

March 31, 2022

By: Carol McGlogan, Electro-Federation Canada

Manufacturing is vital to the economy contributing over 10% of GDP and 68% of exports in Canada.  The lifeblood of communities and drivers of innovation, manufacturing is critical for maintaining a nation’s innovative capacity.

There is a change underfoot in the manufacturing sector – and this transition is called the Fourth Industrial Revolution – a blurring of boundaries between the physical, digital, and biological worlds (Industry 4.0).  It’s a fusion of advances in artificial intelligence, robotics, the Internet of Things, 3D printing, quantum computing and other technologies.

Industry 4.0 builds on the foundations laid by the first three industrial revolutions: the advent of the steam engine in the 18th century led to the first industrial evolution, allowing production to be mechanized.  The second industrial revolution was characterized by electricity and other scientific advancements which led to mass production. The third industrial revolution saw the emergence of computers and digital technology which led to the increasing automation of manufacturing.

The electrical and automation industries enable Industry 4.0 and it is vital that those who serve this market have a strong grasp of the ecosystem, products, and buying processes associated with this latest revolution.

Understanding the ‘big picture’ as it relates to market segmentation, types of production processes and environments, the digital hierarchy in manufacturing and the drivers behind the adoption of automation, will empower individuals to recommend the right solutions to meet end users’ needs.

EFC is proud to support those who participate in Industry 4.0 by offering an ‘Industrial Automation Playbook’, an online training module which outlines the industrial automation market and its ecosystem by profiling the end users in this market and their drivers, the range of product categories, and what players are involved in the specification, design, installation, operation and maintenance of manufacturing systems and environments. The Playbook also details the critical role that distributors play in the process, while highlighting the success factors and support requirements that suppliers must provide their channel partners for mutual success.

The goal behind the Playbook is to encourage learners to make connections between the products/services they provide to the players that they interact with in the automation market. Part of the learning experience is to utilize the Playbook discussion guide to connect one’s learning to their company’s products/services and the markets they serve.

With over 25% of our industry retiring in the next ten years, there will be many newcomers required to fill the talent void. This Playbook is designed to accelerate the learning curve.

This Industrial Automation Playbook follows EFC’s successful Electrical Industry Playbook, which has been adopted by electrical industry participants as an onboarding tool for new employees.

EFC’s Industrial Automation Playbook is available in April – stay tuned to www.electrofed.com or follow EFC on Linkedin for release details.

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • E.B. Horsman & Son Announces Maxim Laberge as New Process Instrumentation Manager

    E.B. Horsman & Son Announces Maxim Laberge as New Process Instrumentation Manager

    EB Horsman is excited to welcome Maxim Laberge as its new Process Instrumentation Manager. Maxim brings over 25 years of experience in electrical, instrumentation, and control systems, with a proven record in business development, client engagement, and strategic project leadership. He is known for his consultative approach, combining technical insight with a strong focus on… Read More…

  • E.B. Horsman & Son Announces Stephen Murray as New Calgary Branch Manager

    E.B. Horsman & Son Announces Stephen Murray as New Calgary Branch Manager

    EB Horsman & Son is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephen Murray as Branch Manager of its Calgary location, effective Tuesday, September 3, 2025. Stephen brings over two decades of experience in the industrial automation sector, where he has built a strong reputation for driving growth, expanding market presence, and developing high-performing teams. His… Read More…


Peers & Profiles