Integration of Improvement Strategies and Industry 4.0 Technologies in a Dynamic Evaluation Model for Target-Oriented Optimization

Abstract

Many improvement techniques, methods, and technologies have been the driver of the development of supply chain systems. However, many managers and companies are focused only on new technologies without considering a comprehensive evaluation, and therefore lacking a real need and purpose. As a result, practitioners are often confused with regard of how to integrate improvement strategies and new technologies, as well as how to evaluate their convenience. Thus, this research aims to develop a model for the assessment for each manufacturing capability. This assessment aims to enable a continuous business transformation aligned with organizational goals; thus, a dynamic maturity assessment is chosen. Based on this, the study seeks to provide an integration model for relevant improvement strategies and new technologies that can be applied to any organization. As a result, the paper develops a sequence model, the GUVEI-Model, for the application of Industry 4.0 related technologies for continuous improvement in five different clusters. Furthermore, the research develops an evaluation scheme of optimization alternatives. Based on this conceptual development, a simulation model is built for specific use cases, such as additive manufacturing or virtual reality. The results show how the use cases along the GUVEI-Model application improve relevant indicators significantly, with the first two steps, obtaining and using data, acting as enablers of the three subsequent optimization steps that allow the virtualization, expansion, and improvement of capabilities and a higher impact on the target indicators than the first two steps. Finally, a discussion is presented about the utility of digital twin models for dynamic maturity level assessment and for simulating project improvement impacts before, during, and after their implementation.

Dynamic Innovation Information System (DIIS) for a New Management Age

“…A digital twin model and the link with information system databases are the basis for performing simulations that enable one to analyze policies based on what-if analysis and statistical techniques. Based on Figure 3, there are already digital twin models and simulations for the different functions within different types of organizations, such as procurement [47], distribution [45,48,49], production and quality [50], maintenance [51], information systems [52], sales [53], human resources [54][55][56], design, and development [57], for the planning and control of operations [52,58], for finance, improvement strategies, and strategic planning [59][60][61], as well as at the normative level [46]. Moreover, there are already models that can assess the three different levels, i.e., organization, supply chain, and related environment [51].…”

Development of a maturity model for additive manufacturing: A conceptual model proposal

“…In addition to these studies, there are also others that, although they are directed to Industry 4.0, refer to additive manufacturing as a technology related to it. Gallego-García et al [ 58 ] developed a sequence model for the application of technologies related to Industry 4.0, with the aim of enabling continuous and sustainable improvement. In this study the importance of the existence of a maturity model as a tool to monitor and develop organisations is highlighted.…”

“…In this study the importance of the existence of a maturity model as a tool to monitor and develop organisations is highlighted. With clear and well-established objectives, the identification of the maturity level through real-time knowledge of the organisation's capabilities, can serve as a basis for the definition of strategic programmes [ 58 ].…”

Health and Safety Improvement through Industrial Revolution 4.0: Malaysian Construction Industry Case

“…Moreover, the use of various safety technologies on construction sites, such as building information modelling (BIM), Wireless monitoring and sensors, robotics and automation, and augmented reality and virtualization have gained strong feedback from civil engineering practitioners and industrial experts in the field of construction and have significantly improved the effectiveness of health and safety management [82]. It was apparent that building information modelling (BIM) was ranked first in being the preferred advanced technology to be introduced to the construction industry to improve health and safety performances.…”