Smart Factory

The digital twin [DT] is considered a key technology of Industry 4.0. Its basic concept is now being successfully applied in practice, as demonstrated by the commissioning of Mercedes' Factory56 in 2022. New identification technologies, tracking systems and communication solutions faciliate new ways of controlling production and managing material flows, particularly at the shop floor level. With precise technical data permanently available not only for products, but also for material availability and order fulfillment status, production processes can be managed more dynamically and efficiently. This is precisely where the concept of the DT comes into play, enabling the immediate use and evaluation of this data.Its relevance continues to grow, especially in the context of make-to-order production, the rising variety of product configurations, and the globalization of production and supply networks. This article introduces the basic concept of the DT and illustrates how it connects to ...

Digital transformation has been a central focus of scientific discussions for years. Questions relating to data-driven decisions, artificial intelligence and resilient supply chains are at the heart of current research. The articles in this issue explain key trends and present scientific findings and practical solutions - from automation and the circular economy to cloud computing.

Learning factories promote digital transformation through an interdisciplinary approach between lean management, Industry 4.0, energy efficiency, training center or research farm. SME centers are characterized by the on-site integration of small and medium-sized companies. Such a regional strategy, combined with learning factories, promotes a goal-oriented dialog between science and practice where students can put their theoretical knowledge to the test.

Right now, there’s virtually no single issue impacting the mechanical and plant engineering sector as profoundly as that of the “smart factory.” In fact, according to an industry survey conducted in 2019 [1], as many as 68 percent of the respondents reported that they had already launched initial smart factory initiatives. According to the Capgemini study “Smart Factories @ Scale” [2], by the end of 2019, a third of the factories had already been transformed into intelligent factories. This article presents insight into how leveraging the advantages of a cloud-based solution can ensure that the flow of information within a network of smart factories can be managed effectively.