Abstract
Discrete event modelling (DEM) can describe the behaviour and
performance of a real-life activity or process within a facility or system that
occurs over time. This work reports on applying DEM as a tool to provide
fundamental insights on how small and medium-sized enterprises (SME’s) can
incrementally improve their capability regarding the implementation of an
Industry 4.0 strategy. The case study discussed analyses the potential changes
to the project life cycle of an SME as it undertakes a journey towards
implementing Industry 4.0 for its operations. A combination of value stream
mapping (VSM) and data stream mapping (DSM) enabled holistic mapping of
the SME’s project’s life cycle into discrete event stages, which were integrated
on the WITNESS DEM system to enable the company to stress test and plan
their Industry 4.0 implementation strategy over time. The findings reveal the
interdependent nature of workforce and technology necessitates simultaneous
development to achieve optimal functionality.
performance of a real-life activity or process within a facility or system that
occurs over time. This work reports on applying DEM as a tool to provide
fundamental insights on how small and medium-sized enterprises (SME’s) can
incrementally improve their capability regarding the implementation of an
Industry 4.0 strategy. The case study discussed analyses the potential changes
to the project life cycle of an SME as it undertakes a journey towards
implementing Industry 4.0 for its operations. A combination of value stream
mapping (VSM) and data stream mapping (DSM) enabled holistic mapping of
the SME’s project’s life cycle into discrete event stages, which were integrated
on the WITNESS DEM system to enable the company to stress test and plan
their Industry 4.0 implementation strategy over time. The findings reveal the
interdependent nature of workforce and technology necessitates simultaneous
development to achieve optimal functionality.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 90-110 |
| Number of pages | 21 |
| Journal | International Journal of Mechatronics and Manufacturing Systems |
| Volume | 13 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Early online date | 4 Jul 2020 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2020 |
Keywords
- DEM
- DES
- DSM
- Data stream mapping
- Discrete event modelling
- Discrete event simulation
- HIL
- Human-in-the-loop
- Industry 4.0
- Scenario modelling
- VSM
- Value stream mapping
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Mechanical Engineering
- Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering