KERN IoP / Research and technical publications
Industrial Digitalization Observatory
Evidence, technologies and engineering decisions for a more competitive Latin American manufacturing industry.
We review research, statistics and industrial applications to understand how companies develop digital capabilities. Our starting point is plastics processing and the technical challenges faced by small and medium-sized production facilities.
Our purpose
Understand digitalization through manufacturing processes
The Observatory brings together knowledge addressing recurring engineering and management questions: what is worth measuring, which technologies should be integrated, which skills are needed and how to evaluate results in an actual factory. Each topic connects published evidence with decisions faced by those who design, operate and improve industrial processes.
This editorial initiative is developed by PM Tec Engineering through its Industry 4.0 division, KERN IoP. It begins with a review of the state of the art in small and medium-sized plastics-processing companies and will expand through further research and documented technical guides.
Featured research · August 2026
Global state of the art in digitalization of plastics-processing SMEs
The study examines digital engineering, simulation, materials management, manufacturing, quality, energy, workforce expertise, interoperability and circular economy practices along the plastics-product value chain.
The reviewed literature shows broad technological progress but uneven economic evidence across applications. For Colombia, it highlights the need to examine the sector’s operating, organizational and technical capabilities together.
Areas of analysis
Four perspectives on industrial transformation
Design and modelling
CAD/CAE, simulation, process models, digital twins and parameter validation.
Data and performance
Instrumentation, OEE, energy, maintenance, automation and systems integration.
Operational expertise
Digital skills, standardization, knowledge transfer and decision support.
Quality and circularity
Traceability, polymer variability, recycling and preservation of product information.
These research areas organize the library and editorial programme. Each publication explains the evidence available and the conclusions it supports.
Observatory Library
Available studies and articles
Articles selected for their relevance to technology assessment, manufacturing performance and industrial decision-making.
Industrial digitalization in Colombia and Latin America
Institutional indicators, statistical coverage and gaps in digital capabilities.
Explore the regional analysis →How to assess digital capabilities in a manufacturing plant
What to examine in data, people, engineering and operations to prioritize projects.
Read the assessment guide →Digitalize existing injection-moulding machines
How to select signals, integrate auxiliary equipment and verify measurement scope.
Read the integration guide →Preserving technical knowledge on the plant floor
Recording process recipes, start-up criteria and the experience of operators and specialists.
Read the knowledge-management guide →Traceability of recycled materials
Which batch, blend, production-condition and quality data should be retained.
Read the traceability guide →Digital twins in manufacturing
Relationships between models, process data and engineering decisions during implementation.
Read the digital-twin guide →How we evaluate evidence
Critical review, sources and technical traceability
Each study distinguishes data-supported observations, engineering interpretations and applications that still require validation. This makes the findings useful for decisions and for defining reasonable verification requirements.
We identify the source, date, population or installation studied, measurement conditions and limitations.
We relate observations to process behaviour, instrumentation and factors affecting transferability.
We outline the variables, indicators and tests needed to verify an improvement before extending it to other machines or facilities.
Contribute to the technical discussion
Plant-floor questions also shape our research
Challenges relating to production, materials, quality, energy and training shape new research topics. You can propose a technical question or receive KERN IoP publications as they become available.
Engineering
Resources
PM Tec Engineering, through its Industry 4.0 division, KERN IoP.
Cota, Cundinamarca · Colombia.
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