1.1 Introduction
1.2 Industry 4.0 as the Fourth Industrial Revolution
1.2.1 Origin and Characterization of Industry 4.0
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Information and communication technology (ICT) to digitize information and integrate systems at all stages of product creation and use (including logistics and supply), both inside companies and across company boundaries.
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Cyber-physical systems that use ICTs to monitor and control physical processes and systems. These may involve embedded sensors, intelligent robots that can configure themselves to suit the immediate product to be created, or additive manufacturing (3D printing) devices.
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Network communications including wireless and internet technologies that serve to link machines, work products, systems, and people, both within the manufacturing plant, and with suppliers and distributors.
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Simulation, modeling, and virtualization in the design of products and the establishment of manufacturing processes.
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Big data analysis and exploitation, either immediately on the factory floor, or through cloud computing.
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Digital assistance systems for human workers, including robots, augmented reality, and intelligent aid systems.
1.2.2 Industry 4.0—A Challenge for Europe and Beyond
1.3 The Contribution of Small and Medium Enterprises to Economic Development
1.3.1 The Role of SMEs in the European Economy
1.3.2 The Role of SMEs in the United States
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99.7% had fewer than 500 employees
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98.2% had fewer than 100 employees
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89.0% had fewer than 20 employees.
1.3.3 The Role of SMEs in Asia
1.3.4 The Role of SMEs in the World
1.4 Current State of the Transition of Industry 4.0 to SMEs
1.4.1 State of the Art of Industry 4.0 for SMEs in Scientific Literature
Year | Papers |
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2019a | 9 |
2018 | 27 |
2017 | 12 |
2016 | 5 |
2015 | 1 |
2013 | 1 |
Sum | 55 |
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Several works are dealing with innovative and digital business models, also putting SMEs in a position to take advantage of Industry 4.0 as a business model.
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Researchers propose that digital platforms are interesting opportunities for SMEs to increase their business, but there are no relevant implementations of such SME platforms up to now.
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Several researchers are working on readiness, assessment, or maturity models to help SMEs understand their actual status.
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There is a rising number of works on frameworks, tool sets as well as roadmaps to guide SMEs in the implementation of Industry 4.0.
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It seems that Industry 4.0 is more and more of interest for other industries rather than manufacturing (construction, textile, agriculture).
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Although there is still little research about artificial intelligence in manufacturing in general, there are first attempts to introduce low cost and easy approaches also in SMEs.
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Sustainability (in the sense of ecological as well as social sustainability) is gaining attention.
1.4.2 Current EU Research Initiatives on Industry 4.0 for SMEs
1.4.3 Summary of the State-of-the-Art Analysis
1.5 SME 4.0—Industry 4.0 for SMEs
1.5.1 “SME 4.0” Project Key Data and Objectives
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Free University of Bolzano-Bozen, Italy (project coordinator and EU beneficiary)
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Technical University of Kosice, Slovakia (EU beneficiary)
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Montanuniversität Leoben, Austria (EU beneficiary)
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Elcom sro Presov, Slovakia (EU beneficiary)
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MIT Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA (partner organization)
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WPI Worcester Polytechnic Institute, USA (partner organization)
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Chiang Mai University, Thailand (partner organization)
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SACS MAVMM Engineering College, India (partner organization).
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What are the actual known concepts and technologies of Industry 4.0?
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What are the main opportunities/risks for the use of these concepts in SMEs?
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How suitable are the different concepts for application in SMEs?
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What are SME-specific requirements for the adaptation of the most promising concepts and technologies?
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What are possible forms or migration levels for realizing smart and intelligent manufacturing systems for x-to-order and mass customization production?
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How can automation, advanced manufacturing technologies, ICT, and CPS improve productivity in SME manufacturing and logistics?
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What are suitable models for smart and lean supply chains in SME logistics?
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What are innovative and promising new business models for smart SMEs?
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What are optimal implementation strategies for the introduction of Industry 4.0 in SMEs?
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What are ideal organizational models for smart SMEs or SME networks?
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Ensure the transfer of Industry 4.0 to SMEs through adapted template models;
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Maintain and develop the competitive level of European SMEs;
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Accelerate the transition of Industry 4.0 from research to practice;
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Maintain the prosperity of the European population by securing jobs;
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Develop and progress the careers of European experts and qualified young scientists in SME research for Industry 4.0.