Sustainability

Digital and Ecological Transformation in Companies

Digital and Ecological Transformation in Companies

Challenges and potential in interaction
Manfred Wannöfel, Bernd Kuhlenkötter ORCID Icon, Christopher Prinz ORCID Icon, Fabian Hoose ORCID Icon, Manfred Wannöffel ORCID Icon
Although the concept of double transformation is being intensely discussed in companies, the practical implementation in operational structures often remains unclear. This article sheds light on how digital technologies and environmental sustainability strategies can be developed either synergistically, antagonistically or independently of each other. In addition, it discusses the different experiences of employees in different industries and the varying progress in the introduction of digital and ecological measures. To this end, it will discuss existing research findings and practical examples that pave the way for the successful integration of both transformation processes in companies.
Industry 4.0 Science | Volume 40 | 2024 | Edition 5 | Pages 34-42 | DOI 10.30844/I4SE.24.5.34
Pathways to Responsible Use of AI at Work

Pathways to Responsible Use of AI at Work

An organizational change perspective
Valentin Langholf ORCID Icon, Uta Wilkens ORCID Icon, Daniel Lupp ORCID Icon, Niklas Obermann ORCID Icon
The integration of AI in Industry 4.0 is steadily increasing. Applications include both single-purpose and generative AI systems in operation practices as well as training approaches. In addition to the technical challenges posed by these systems, organizations need to assess, plan and support the organizational changes associated with technology integration.
Industry 4.0 Science | Volume 40 | 2024 | Edition 5 | Pages 58-66 | DOI 10.30844/I4SE.24.5.58
Double Transformation in Mechanical and Plant Engineering

Double Transformation in Mechanical and Plant Engineering

Digitalization and sustainability for one-of-a-kind and small-batch manufacturers
Christoph Laroque ORCID Icon, Deike Gliem ORCID Icon, Sigrid Wenzel ORCID Icon
A decisive competitive factor for smaller and medium-sized manufacturers of one-of-a-kind and small batches is their products’ timely completion, delivery and commissioning. Precise logistics planning is just as important as production control. However, the processes are often characterized by uncertainties, e.g. due to local conditions at the customer or cooperation with suppliers. Digital shadows for data evaluation in real time offer a convincing solution.
Industry 4.0 Science | Volume 40 | 2024 | Edition 5 | Pages 10-17 | DOI 10.30844/I4SE.24.5.10
From Lean Production to the Sustainable Production System of the Future

From Lean Production to the Sustainable Production System of the Future

An innovation factory as a multi-stage learning factory
Markus Schneider, Christoph Müller
The typical problems of a medium-sized company, coupled with the new requirements for sustainability, harbor the potential for economic tension. Learning factories can counteract this: they simulate production processes and offer an environment where participants can develop knowledge and skills in a realistic production setting. Establishing an innovation factory not only increases productivity, but also significantly reduces land consumption.
Industry 4.0 Science | Volume 40 | 2024 | Edition 4 | Pages 78-84
Remanufacturing in the Learning Factory

Remanufacturing in the Learning Factory

An integrative platform for the circular economy
Jan Koller ORCID Icon, Frank Döpper ORCID Icon
In remanufacturing, used goods are brought up to the quality level of a new product. This distinguishes it from recycling, which recovers materials and converts them into new units or products. Various uncertainties, such as the condition, quantity and time of return, can be minimized with Industry 4.0 approaches and artificial intelligence. A special learning concept ensures that employees have the required competence profiles in this context.
Industry 4.0 Science | Volume 40 | 2024 | Edition 4 | Pages 85-89
Digital Product Passports

Digital Product Passports

Enabler of the circular economy
Moritz Hörger, Yannik Hermann, Magnus Kandler, Kevin Gleich ORCID Icon, Gisela Lanza ORCID Icon
Digital product passports are becoming increasingly mandatory for monitoring saving targets within the framework of EU-wide emission reductions. DPPs can enable a standardized exchange of emissions data along the entire product life cycle. A framework for systematic introduction and targeted use can simplify their often difficult practical integration, especially for small and medium-sized companies.
Industry 4.0 Science | Volume 40 | 2024 | Edition 3 | Pages 73-77
Shaping Digital Change in Companies

Shaping Digital Change in Companies

Using the living lab approach and the backcasting method to develop a vision
Annalena Präger, David Koch ORCID Icon, Julia Brandt, Sebastian Schmid
Alongside sustainability, sustainability management is also gaining in importance. At the same time, digitalization continues to advance, embedded in a complex interplay of economic, ecological and social challenges. A sustainability platform that not only records relevant company data, but also ensures the necessary security, can unleash synergies between transformative trends to foster sustainable and efficient corporate development.
Industry 4.0 Science | Volume 40 | 2024 | Edition 3 | Pages 61-66
Platform Business

Platform Business

Increasing sustainability with digital business models
Andrea Carolina Soto Ramirez ORCID Icon, Søren Salomo ORCID Icon
Platforms and business models based on them have been around for many years. However, the rapid development of information technology in recent years has greatly reduced the need for physical assets and infrastructure to enable value creation. Digitalization enables highly efficient interactions among platform participants. This lowers the barriers to accessing tangible and intangible goods, which in turn opens up opportunities to develop instruments that improve the sustainability of platform results.
Industry 4.0 Science | Volume 40 | 2024 | Edition 2 | Pages 80-86
Energy Efficiency Through Intelligent Electricity Data Acquisition

Energy Efficiency Through Intelligent Electricity Data Acquisition

Wireless retrofit solution based on IoT technologies and open-source software for existing industrial buildings
Sergej Kreber, Kevin Kutzner, Dieter Uckelmann ORCID Icon
Facility managers for industrial properties are faced with the challenge of optimizing the energy efficiency of their facilities in the face of ever-increasing energy demand and rising energy costs. Digital processes that enable the comprehensive monitoring, analysis and control of energy demand offer an effective way to reduce costs, increase energy efficiency and make optimal use of resources. Based on IoT technologies and open-source software, a cost-effective, wireless and flexible retrofit solution for real-time energy data collection has been developed.
Industry 4.0 Science | Volume 40 | Edition 2 | Pages 87-93
Sustainable HR Management

Sustainable HR Management

Its importance for realizing sustainability in industrial manufacturing
Uta Kirschten
Industrial manufacturing offers a wide range of opportunities for a more ecologically compatible and socially just organization. Sustainability-oriented HR management can competently support industrial manufacturing companies in the design and implementation of sustainable manufacturing. It is important to integrate ecological, social and economic requirements into the respective areas of responsibility. In addition, employees must be motivated and qualified to adopt environmentally friendly working practices in order to be able to implement sustainable manufacturing in practice. Sustainable incentive systems and employee-oriented personnel management must also be taken into account.
Industry 4.0 Science | Volume 40 | 2024 | Edition 1 | Pages 50-56
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