From Concept to the Introduction of Industry 4.0

Today very topical issue among the major competitors in the global industry is titled Industry 4.0. According to all indications (developing machines, computer software, robotics, etc.) global business networks will soon appear. They will unite their "smart" machines, storage systems and manufacturing facilities in the form of cyber-physical production system (CPS). Such production system will autonomously exchange information, initiate activities and independently perform control. The fourth industrial revolution is based on the concept of smart factory. Smart factories have completely new approach to the production. Smart products can always be identified and located. Their history, current state and future activities that are necessary to get the final look are known anytime. Well prepared database is very important because it is necessary to filter the required reports in order to receive timely and useful information. Advantages of the virtual world are used because virtual world provides the simulation of different cases. Optimization of products, processes and the entire supply chain are continuously improved. In order to successfully close the circuit, there are trusted-cloud based networks (Cloud technology). Cloud technology provides “smart” data centres, services and applications so users (companies) can achieve lower costs and operational efficiency. The new approach allows production according to the individual customer requirements. Today many companies have moved away from mass production to mass customization production. The main goal is to have a production system that can resist any dynamic business processes. Such system must be characterized by flexibility, so it can respond to disruptions of various origins.

Features of Industry 4.0 are horizontal, vertical and digital integration of the entire system. Key areas are standardization (so companies will easily connect to each other), the management of complex systems (it is necessary to develop and apply new models and methods), a comprehensive infrastructure (high-quality information network, Internet connection), security and privacy (data protection), work organization and design (the roles of the employees are changed, they are more involved, progress is better and there is life-long learning), legal framework (harmonization of legal frameworks) and the effective use of resources (potential savings of raw materials and energy). It is important that managers at companies understand the industry 4.0 and how it looks in reality. By finding an appropriate model, with strong support of development, a vision and path to Industry 4.0, which is specific to a plant, can be created. The idea of Industry 4.0 should be linked to specific areas of concern of certain factories. It is necessary to find areas of activities and make a step further towards the Industry 4.0. Potential problem could be the priority areas of action. The introduction and use of new technologies does not mean certain way to Industry 4.0, because it would be a very narrow approach. The system will not function properly if there is advanced technology and outdated organization.