Whether selling precision machinery or construction materials online, digital transformation opens doors and provides optimization levers at all levels.
France lags significantly behind its European neighbors in terms of business digitalization, particularly in the areas of cloud technology, AI, and online sales. Although progress has been made, the ambitious goals for 2030 will require an accelerated adoption of technology. Incentives or support measures may be necessary to help French SMEs reach levels comparable to those in the EU.
According to the analysis of the state of digital transformation in France published in March 2024, 58% of French industrial companies have already initiated digitalization projects. This figure reflects ongoing efforts to close the gap and aligns with the broader ambition outlined in the "Digital Decade 2024-2030" roadmap. While encouraging, it highlights both the progress made and the urgency to pick up the pace.
This article explores the drivers of this transformation, the challenges faced by French companies, and the prospects for the future.
The digital transformation of the French economy and industry is an ambitious project, firmly rooted in an already ongoing dynamic fueled by evolving practices. New technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), connected devices, and robotics, are redefining processes in production, management, and innovation.
According to the "La décennie numérique 2024-20301" (“The digital decade 2024-2030") roadmap published by the French government, several sectors stand out for their advancements in digital transformation:
These initiatives reflect France's commitment to accelerating digital transformation in strategic sectors, ensuring long-term competitiveness and innovation.
Industry 4.0 has expanded the possibilities for industrial processes, enabling them to monitor, analyze, and optimize resources in real-time. Today, sensors on production lines can collect critical data essential for the smooth operation of industrial activities.
What Are the Benefits? This approach allows continuous monitoring of production processes, optimizing resource management, and staying ahead of equipment failures, thereby reducing costs associated with unexpected downtime.
In the same vein, smart factories leverage this data to automatically adjust their operations based on needs and unforeseen events.2
These advancements are driving significant improvements in productivity while revolutionizing maintenance strategies. By enabling predictive maintenance, they allow for interventions on machinery before issues arise, thereby extending equipment lifespan and minimizing unexpected downtime.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly vital role in the industry, leaving an indelible mark with applications ranging from production process optimization to full automation.
It also enhances factory operations by streamlining activities through collaborative robots, or "cobots," which work alongside human operators, bringing greater flexibility and efficiency.3
These robots can handle repetitive or hazardous tasks, allowing workers to focus on higher-value activities.
Digital twins are another key innovation driving the digital transformation of the industry. They enable the creation of virtual replicas of equipment and production processes to simulate, monitor, and optimize their performance in real time.
By creating a digital twin of a factory, equipment, or product, companies can test and analyze various configurations without halting production or making costly physical adjustments.
These simulations help identify inefficiencies, optimize performance, and enhance product design before manufacturing even begins.
While many players are already on the path to digital transformation, this evolution is not without its challenges. Several obstacles still hinder the widespread adoption of digital technologies in the industrial sector, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which constitute a significant part of the French industrial landscape.
Digital transformation requires significant investments, whether for acquiring new technologies, upgrading infrastructure, or training staff. For SMEs, these costs can pose a major barrier. The challenge is to identify suitable financing solutions, such as grants or public-private partnerships. While the government supports this transition through initiatives like the "France Relance" program, many companies remain hesitant to take the leap despite available subsidies and recovery plans.
Digital transformation demands specialized skills, particularly in data management, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and advanced technology maintenance. ERP and APS systems, for instance, are often complex and require specialists, adding another layer of difficulty for businesses with limited human and technical resources. Moreover, there is a shortage of qualified talent in these fields. Training current employees and attracting new talent to digital professions are critical priorities to ensure a successful transition.
Digitalization often involves connecting various systems and technologies (e.g., ERP) that are not always compatible. Achieving seamless integration of these systems is a technical challenge requiring expertise in digital infrastructure and investments in suitable technologies.
The future prospects and trends of digital transformation in France highlight the integration of advanced technologies (AI, digital twins), cybersecurity, sustainability, and skill development.
Digital transformation has become an essential strategic lever for French businesses, with ambitions reaching far beyond the mere adoption of new technologies. As part of the "Digital Decade 2024-2030" roadmap, France is committed to accelerating this transition to strengthen its businesses' competitiveness, address environmental challenges, and secure its digital sovereignty. This long-term strategy aims to position the country as a leader in technological innovation in Europe, with a focus on artificial intelligence, sovereign cloud solutions, digital twins, and other cutting-edge technologies.
At PlaniSense, we are proud to play an active role in this transformation by offering Advanced Planning Systems (APS) solutions that seamlessly integrate into this evolving digital ecosystem. Our solutions enable companies to optimize production planning, anticipate demand fluctuations, and maximize operational efficiency. The future of industry is undeniably digital!
1 - La décennie numérique 2024-2030
2 - Bureau Veritas