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Procurement 4.0 represents comprehensive information technology networking with suppliers. This enables the automation of the operational procurement process and forms the basis for closer collaboration with strategic suppliers. However, such networking is also accompanied by risks which can sustainably reduce the success of procurement. After an assessment of digitization-induced risks it is shown that a trade-off between relationship and supplier risks takes place, depending in the intensity of the network.

Maritime container transport is the backbone of international trade and supply and distribution processes in global manufacturing networks. However, digital support of container transportation related processes is still insu cient. This article shows how a digital platform can facilitate the digital interaction between industry and logistics stakeholders. Using the quotation process as an example, it describes how the platform can support transactions between shippers and transport service providers. Use of the digital platform increases process transparency, reduces duplication of work and reduces the time required to carry out the processes.

RPA refers to bots that automate repetitive, rulebased tasks in a business process. This paper describes general areas of application for RPA in logistics as well as two practical logistics examples. In addition, a procedure model for the implementation of RPA in logistics is presented. The paper answers the following questions: What are suitable use cases for RPA in logistics? What criteria support the selection of suitable processes? And how should an implementation guide be designed to systematically support an implementation project taking into account critical success factors?

The Act on the Protection of Human Rights in Global Supply Chains (Supply Chain Act), which will apply from 1 January 2023, pursues the goal of tracing production and working conditions that violate human rights as well as the protection of the environment in the value creation networks. To act when grievances are identi ed, information on production and working conditions must be available transparently across supply networks. However, this goal is only possible with a digital and e cient exchange of information. The question is therefore how and under what framework conditions this exchange of information can succeed.

The article investigates whether a standard portafilter espresso machine can be made IoT-capable with the help of sensors and small microcontrollers and what added value the communication protocol Message Queue Telemetry Transport Protocol (MQTT) provides.

Manufacturing SMEs are structurally di erent from other companies and therefore have special requirments for Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and the associated software selection. Process models must therefore be adapted. For the identication of requirements, a systematic categorization based on existing models was performed. With the help of an existing market research platform, further selection steps were developed in order to provide a useful and easy-to-use tool for SMEs, which enables them to select efficiently sufficient MES-software according to their needs.

Employees, machines and products get connected: the 4th Industrial Revolution has begun [1]. This is a central statement on the homepage of the German „Plattform Industrie 4.0“. Meanwhile the basic ideas started to move from the shopfloor level to the level of business processes and business models. In consequence it was detected pretty early, that digitization will affect the employees and their qualification and tasks in the companies; the term Work 4.0 evolved. The following contribution emphasizes the systematization of qualifications. A new model will be displayed, that helps to bring transparency to the distribution of qualification in companies. The useability of the model is verified in two case studies. The model is a practicable instrument for companies to gain a realistic view to the upcoming challenges of the shift of qualification due to digitization.

This paper focuses on the investigation of current technical challenges in the context of industrial Virtual Reality (VR)-based training applications. This paper analyzes the current state of the art of industrial VR applications and provides a structured overview of the existing technical challenges. The identified challenges are discussed based on an industrial training scenario for the safe handling of electrical components.

The use of LNG propulsion in ships has significant environmental benefits but also creates chal- lenges in handling. Due to safety regulations, the maintenance of the LNG ship systems requires a high degree of reliability and accuracy. Thus, this paper deals with the development and evaluation of an AR-assistance system. The system based on an Android smartphone enables users to access maintenance instructions and manuals and supports the work process step by step through context-sensitive virtualizations. Its evaluation was conducted as a combined quantitative and qualitative user study.

The market for technical services is currently undergoing a transformation that is having an impact on the business models and structures of companies in this market. This change also has consequences for the specialists at technical service providers: In addition to new technical knowledge, they have to communicate more with customers and partners in particular. These interactions are not always free of conflict and can become stressful for employees. The article shows examples of how technical service companies can improve the interaction situation of their employees with organizational measures.