factory planning

Systematically Planning Vertical Factories

Systematically Planning Vertical Factories

Developing factory types as a foundation for intelligent planning support
Nikolaus Kremslehner ORCID Icon, Sebastian Schlund ORCID Icon, Wilfried Sihn
Vertical factories reduce land use and harness the advantages of urban production. However, their multi-story structure significantly increases planning complexity. To counter such effects, this paper presents a typology that combines proven solutions for recurring challenges in the planning and operation of vertical factories. Relevant characteristics were examined using real-world case studies and structured within a morphological framework. This framework was consolidated into factory types that provide guidance for conceptual planning and serve as the foundation for intelligent planning support.
Industry 4.0 Science | Volume 42 | 2026 | Edition 5 | Pages 68-76 | DOI 10.30844/I4SE.26.5.6
Site Assessment for Flexible Intralogistics in Brownfield Sites

Site Assessment for Flexible Intralogistics in Brownfield Sites

Innovative decision support in practice
Jolanda Schierbaum, Carsten Feldmann, Lars Renhof
Due to its dynamic environment, space planning in intralogistics is not a one-time task but a recurring decision-making process subject to numerous constraints imposed by existing infrastructure. Decisions are often based on incomplete data, resulting in a high risk of poor planning decisions and inefficient use of space. This paper presents a practice-oriented process model for space evaluation in brownfield projects. The proposed approach improves the standardization and consistency of space evaluation and promotes best practices among all stakeholders. By supporting systematic decision-making, the process model contributes to optimized planning and resource allocation, thereby reducing risks and avoiding costly implementation errors.The process model is demonstrated through a case study conducted at a commercial vehicle manufacturer.
Industry 4.0 Science | Volume 42 | 2026 | Edition 3 | Pages 124-133