Process Management

Artificial intelligence is often mentioned often mentioned in the same context as Industry 4.0, but the exact role of AI is unclear. Is AI just another 4IR technology or an essential "enabler" for other 4IR technologies? Six experts assess the impact of AI on 41 4IR technologies. AI could indeed be a decisive factor in unleashing the full potential of Industry 4.0.

Reducing CO2 emissions is one of the most urgent tasks of our time. Simultaneously, artificial intelligence is developing rapidly. However, AI often brings about its own significant CO2 impact. Experimental testing of Green AI strategies is therefore crucial for their long-term success. A management tool can support this process so that both users and managers can make optimal use of AI as a tool.

The rapid development of generative artificial intelligence is opening up new avenues for the manufacturing industry amid a shortage of skilled workers. Large language models can potentially make production processes in medium- sized businesses more efficient. But how exactly is this potential measured? Key areas of application such as communication, training and knowledge management show why a lot depends on employee acceptance.

The transformation in production offers the chance to redesign existing value chains. Cooperation between various ecological, social and governmental stakeholders is seen as particularly key to sustainable development. However, little research has been conducted into how companies can best manage the resulting interdependencies. Agriculture is used as an example to examine how businesses can activate resources along the value chain.

Advances in information and communication technology (ICT) are opening up new opportunities for virtual collaboration. Shared leadership is a promising modern concept for overcoming challenges in the areas of communication, knowledge sharing and company loyalty. Empirical findings on shared leadership in virtual teams can shape recommendations on how successful leadership can support the virtualization of teamwork.

Digital technologies are crucial for the competitiveness and innovative capacity of industry. While Industry 4.0 strives for greater efficiency through the intelligent networking of people, machines and information systems, the concept of Industry 5.0 focuses on people—and defines their well-being and identification capabilities as crucial to the success of digitalization. An analysis of their success factors can only help.

Assistance systems improve work processes, shorten learning times and increase flexibility in the workplace. Human-centered, resilient and sustainable production approaches where user acceptance is of the utmost importance play a crucial role in the digitized Industry 5.0. Two user studies investigate how useful the support of technologies like augmented reality and AI chat actually is. In the context of cognitive assistance systems in intralogistics, artificial intelligence and augmented reality have a great potential and can contribute to an improvement in process performance. The usability of these systems in terms of human-centricity of Industry 5.0 is crucial. This article describes the results and findings of two user studies conducted in the laboratory for intralogistics work processes (picking and packing). The assistance systems used were evaluated using the System Usability Scale.   Cognitive assistance systems in intralogistics Assistance systems make a ...

Global competitive pressure is forcing companies to use resources efficiently, especially in high-wage countries. This is further intensified by market and legislative pressure for sustainable products and processes. In the face of digital and ecological change, holistic approaches to optimizing manual work processes are essential. An AI-supported assistance system for work plan creation is intended to remedy this and thus enable more efficient process design.