Digital technologies enable companies to build cyber-physical systems (CPS) in Industry 4.0. In the increasingly popular concept of Industry 4.0, an important research topic is the application of digital technology in industry, and in particular in specific industry sectors. The aim of this paper is to present the tools used in the steel industry in Poland on its way to the full digitalisation that is needed for the development of Industry 4.0. The paper consists of two parts: a literature review and a practical analysis. The paper provides the background information about digitalisation using digital tools in the steel industry in Poland. The paper was prepared based on secondary information and statistical data. The object of the research is the Polish steel sector. This study assumes that digitalisation is the main area of innovation in the steel industry. The digitalisation determines the creation of new or modified products, processes, techniques and expansion of the company’s inf... [more]

The growth of the renewable energy industry is happening at a swift pace pushed, by the emergence of Industry 4.0. Smart technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), Big Data, the Internet of Things (IoT), Digital Twin (DT), etc. enable companies within the sector of renewable energies to drastically improve their operations. In this sectoral context, where upgraded sustainability standards also play a vital role, it is necessary to fulfil the human capital requirements of the imminent technological advances. This article aims to determine the current skills of the renewable energy industry workforce and to predict the upcoming skill requirements linked to a digital transition by creating a unified database that contains both types of skills. This will serve as a tool for renewable energy businesses, education centers, and policymakers to plan the training itinerary necessary to close the skills gap, as part of the sectoral strategy to achieve a competent future workforce.

The United Nations established 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the fulfillment of the 7th, defined as “Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all”, requires energy industry transitions and digital transformations, which implies that diverse stakeholders need to move fast to allow the growth of more flexible power systems. This paper contains the case report that addresses the commercial digital transformation process developed at AES Colombia, through the implementation of a modern platform based on specialized applications that use Industry 4.0 tools. The Chivor hydropower project, a 1000-MW powerplant that covers 6% of Colombia’s demand, which is owned by AES Colombia and constitutes its primary asset, is first described. Then, a description of Colombia’s complex market (energy matrix, trading and dispatch mechanisms, and future projects) is presented. Then, the methodology followed for the digital transformation process using modern to... [more]

Operation and maintenance constitute a substantial share of the lifecycle expenditures of an offshore renewable energy farm. A noteworthy number of methods and techniques have been developed to provide decision-making support in strategic planning and asset management. Condition monitoring instrumentation is commonly used, especially in offshore wind farms, due to the benefits it provides in terms of fault identification and performance evaluation and improvement. Incorporating technology advancements, a shift towards automation and digitalisation is taking place in the offshore maintenance sector. This paper reviews the existing literature and novel approaches in the operation and maintenance planning and the condition monitoring of offshore renewable energy farms, with an emphasis on the offshore wind sector, discussing their benefits and limitations. The state-of-the-art in industrial condition-based maintenance is reviewed, together with deterioration models and fault diagnosis and... [more]

The beginning of the 21st century for the fuel and energy complexes of most countries is characterized as a period of active restructuring and a fundamental shift in developmental priorities. The basis of these changes is technological development. Industry 4.0 technologies have particular importance in achieving maximum optimization of production processes. In the same way, they are applicable in establishing effective interaction between the energy sector and other sectors of the economy. The authors outline an approach to assessing the country’s fuel and energy balance state through the selected properties: sustainability, accessibility, efficiency, adaptability and reliability. Hence, a model of the fuel and energy complex was created on the example of the Russian Federation, considering the country’s territorial and functional division. The methodology is based on scenario modeling of the influence level of external challenges in conjunction with the accompanying technological dev... [more]

Strategic and tactical factors come into play in shop competitiveness where, in addition to the products sold, other marketing mix variables must also be considered. There are also subjective factors, such as perceptions through the senses. This became even more important when, as a result of the COVID-19 crisis and the forced closure of certain establishments with physical sales, it was necessary to increase profitability and efficiency. The aim of this study was to determine the exact role of sensory marketing in shop efficiency and profitability, based on the guiding principles of technology, innovation, and respect for the environment. We conducted an exploratory and experimental study consisting of the creation of a sensory strategy through the adaptation of the Hulten, Broweus and Van Dijk model on a specific establishment in the current era of Industry 4.0. The results indicate an increase in sales as well as customer satisfaction and happiness after implementing the relevant st... [more]

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is spreading rapidly and threatening lives all over the globe. Due to the pandemic, economies all over the world are in deep distress due to disruption in work and operations across all sectors. The present case study was performed for a private Indian manufacturing company that has been affected to a great extent due to this pandemic, as India has the second highest number of SARS-CoV-2 cases after the USA. The deeply troubled company’s current predicament is very complex, as various factors are responsible for the crisis. In order to restore the company back to normal functioning, these factors were studied and evaluated. A diagnostic survey was conducted to obtain data about current working conditions of company. Data from the survey were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively to identify and evaluate the disruptive factors. Based on this analysis, problems in operational activities were identified and appropriate improvement actions (best practices) were... [more]

In the 21st century, it is becoming increasingly clear that human activities and the activities of enterprises affect the environment. Therefore, it is important to learn about the methods in which companies minimize the negative effects of their activities. The article presents the steps taken and innovative actions carried out by enterprises in the energy sector. The article analyzes innovative activities undertaken and implemented by enterprises from the energy sector. The relationships between innovative strategies, including, inter alia, digitization, and Industry 4.0 solutions, in the development of companies and the achieved results concerning sustainable development and environmental impact. Digitization has far exceeded traditional productivity improvement ranges of 3−5% per year, with a clear cost improvement potential of well above 25%. Enterprises on a large scale make attempts to increase energy efficiency by implementing the state-of-the-art innovative technical and techn... [more]

Industry 4.0 is generalizing the use of wireless connectivity in manufacturing and logistics. Specifically, in Smart Logistics, novel Industry 4.0 technologies are used to enable agile supply chains, with reduced management, energy and storage costs. Cellular networks allow connectivity throughout all the scenarios where logistics processes take place, each having their own challenges. This paper explores such scenarios and challenges, and proposes 5G technology as a global unified connectivity solution. Moreover, this paper proposes a system for exploiting the application-specific optimization capabilities of 5G networks to better cater for the needs of Smart Logistics. An application traffic modeling process is proposed, along with a proactive approach to network optimization that can improve the Quality of Service and reduce connectivity costs.

Taking into account the impact of the COVID-19 and adopting the assessment optics of students from Generation Z currently entering the labor market, we have made the aim of this article to provide better insight into the relationship between Industry 4.0 and corporate social responsibility. The survey was conducted in the form of an online survey in two leading universities in Poland in the field of economic education. 646 students took part in the survey. The data were analyzed using logit regression models. The results of the study suggest that the increase in the use of management solutions supporting Industry 4.0 in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis will increase the importance of the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of corporate social responsibility. Pointing to the forecasted increase importance of corporate social responsibility, we suggest linking management solutions supporting Industry 4.0 with corporate social responsibility. However, we also draw attention to t... [more]

The Industry 4.0 Revolution that is taking place nowadays means that organizations face not only new opportunities, but also challenges related to the identification of their role in creating a modern smart world. The economies of many countries are under the significant and growing influence of various types of organizations, not only strong international business corporations, but also, more and more often, smaller but intelligent ones called smart organizations IR 4.0. Due to their unique characteristics, intelligent organizations are better able than others to cope with technological breakthroughs, social, and cultural problems as well as to compete effectively and develop in an environmentally sustainable way. With their growing potential, they are strengthening the economies of their countries of origin and daily operation. Their growing role is also visible in the processes of shaping competitiveness and achieving the sustainable development objectives of the European Union (EU)... [more]

Constructing the power curve of a power generation facility integrated with complex and large-scale industrial processes is a difficult task but can be accomplished using Industry 4.0 data analytics tools. This research attempts to construct the data-driven power curve of the generator installed at a 660 MW power plant by incorporating artificial intelligence (AI)-based modeling tools. The power produced from the generator is modeled by an artificial neural network (ANN)—a reliable data analytical technique of deep learning. Similarly, the R2.ai application, which belongs to the automated machine learning (AutoML) platform, is employed to show the alternative modeling methods in using the AI approach. Comparatively, the ANN performed well in the external validation test and was deployed to construct the generator’s power curve. Monte Carlo experiments comprising the power plant’s thermo-electric operating parameters and the Gaussian noise are simulated with the ANN, and thus the power... [more]

In recent years, there has been dynamic changes in the industrial environment as a result of further innovations called Industry 4.0 (I.4.0), especially in the field of digital technology and manufacturing. Despite numerous examples of the implementation of Industry 4.0 in enterprises, there is no general framework for the implementation of Industry 4.0 with a detailed schedule. Researching the ways of implementing Industry 4.0 is still a current and unexplored area of research. The main aim of the paper is to present the concept of the theoretical framework for Industry 4.0 implementation based on selected schedules of the Industry 4.0 implementation. The paper was based on information from literature review and analysis of pilot enterprise projects to Industry 4.0 (case study) that were conducted in selected enterprises. The paper presents the key components of the framework of Industry 4.0 and the basic stage of implementing the concept in the enterprises, paying attention to their... [more]

The study of the rates of innovative development of various sectors of the modern economy makes it possible to determine the existence of a scientific and practical problem, eliciting the need for urgent identification of the reasons for non-innovative development of Oil and Gas Companies and development of the directions for innovation development. Based on a number of methods, including methods of graphical analysis, time series forecasting, construction of linear trends, correlation analysis and scenario forecasting, the authors stated the fact of the serious depth of the problem of innovative insufficiency in the oil sector in comparison with other sectors and they built six scenarios for the development of these companies. The applied methods made it possible to not only come to the conclusion that with the current level of investment in R&D in the oil and gas sector, Oil Companies may find themselves in difficult conditions, especially if breakthrough technologies show themselves... [more]

Industry 4.0 and related automation and digitization have a significant impact on competition between companies. They have to deal with the lack of financial resources to apply digital solutions in their businesses. In Slovakia, Industry 4.0 plays an important role, especially in the mechanical engineering industry (MEI). This paper aims to identify the groups of financial ratios that can be used to measure the financial performance of the companies operating in the Slovak MEI. From the whole MEI, we selected the 236 largest non-financial corporations whose ranking we obtained according to the amount of generated revenues in 2017. Using factor analysis, from eleven traditional financial ratios, we extracted four independent factors that measure liquidity (equity to liabilities ratio, quick ratio, debt ratio, net working capital to assets ratio, current ratio), profitability (return on sales, return on investments), indebtedness (financial leverage, debt to equity ratio), and activity (... [more]

Buildings are among the main protagonists of the world’s growing energy consumption, employing up to 45%. Wide efforts have been directed to improve energy saving and reduce environmental impacts to attempt to address the objectives fixed by policymakers in the past years. Meanwhile, new approaches using Machine Learning regression models surged in the modeling and simulation research context. This research develops and proposes an innovative data-driven black box predictive model for estimating in a dynamic way the interior temperature of a building. Therefore, the rationale behind the approach has been chosen based on two steps. First, an investigation of the extant literature on the methods to be considered for tests has been conducted, shrinking the field of investigation to non-recursive multi-step approaches. Second, the results obtained on a pilot case using various Machine Learning regression models in the multi-step approach have been assessed, leading to the choice of the Sup... [more]

Industry 4.0 houses diverse technologies including wireless communication and shared networks for internal and external operations. Due to the wireless nature and remote operability, the exposure to security threats is high. Cyber risk detection and mitigation are prominent for secure industrial operations and planned outcomes. In addition, the system faces the threat of intelligence attacks, security standards issues, privacy concerns and scalability problems. The cyber risk related research problems influence overall data transmission in industry wireless communication networks. For augmenting communication security through cyber risk detection, this article introduces an Explicit Risk Detection and Assessment Technique (ERDAT) for cyber threat mitigation in the industrial process. A fuzzy harmony search algorithm powers this technique for identifying the risk and preventing its impact. The harmony search algorithm mimics the adversary impact using production factors such as process... [more]

Smart factories are equipped with Industry 4.0 technologies including smart sensors, digital twin, big data, and embedded software solutions. The application of these technologies contributes to better decision-making, and this real-time decision-making can improve the efficiency of both manufacturing and related logistics processes. In this article, the transformation of conventional milk-run-based in-plant supply solutions into a cyber−physical milk-run supply is described, where the application of Industry 4.0 technologies makes it possible to make real-time decisions regarding scheduling, routing, and resource planning. After a literature review, this paper introduces the structure of Industry 4.0 technologies supported by milk-run-based in-plant supply. A mathematical model of milk-run processes is described including both scheduling and routing problems of in-plant supply. This mathematical model makes it possible to analyze the impact of Industry 4.0 technologies on the efficien... [more]

Researchers and practitioners argue that in the global context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, also labelled Industry 4.0, the regional dimension of industrial development remains equally essential. A region that effectively implements the concept of Industry 4.0 can accelerate by enhancing the manufacturing energy efficiency, thus contributing to the goals of the “Green Deal” policy. Therefore, to support the policy-making process, it is necessary to develop analytical tools exploring the determinants of the Industry 4.0 development. This paper presents a methodology of strategic analysis of a region in terms of the Industry 4.0 development potential. The core of the methodology is an extended Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis. The study identifies regional strengths and weaknesses, external incentives and disincentives, internal opportunities and threats, and external opportunities and threats with regard to the development of Industry 4.0, relate... [more]

Industry 4.0 has radically been transforming the production processes and systems with the adoption of enabling technologies, such as Internet of things (IoT), big data, additive manufacturing (AM), and cloud computing. In this context, sensors are essential to extract information about production, spare parts, equipment health, and environmental conditions necessary for improving many aspects of industrial processes (flexibility, efficiency, costs, etc.). Sensors should be placed everywhere (on machines, smart devices, objects, and tools) inside the factory to monitor in real-time physical quantities such as temperature, vibrations, deformations that could affect the production. Printed electronics (PE) offers techniques to produce unconventional sensor and systems or to make conventional objects “smart”. This work aims to analyze innovative PE technologies—inkjet printing and aerosol jet printing in combination with photonic curing—as manufacturing technologies for electronics and se... [more]

Sustainability is among the most important directions in global development. The challenge today is to reconcile the fastest possible economic growth and the pursuit of prosperity with concern for the environment. One of the important problems of modern economies and societies is to reduce overall consumption and implement new patterns of sustainable consumption and production. The main aim of this article was to analyze consumer preferences in terms of purchasing personalized production offered by implementing the concept of Industry 4.0 and ensuring sustainable consumption and production (SCP). Based on the analysis of the literature and the results of our own research, an attempt was made to estimate the impact of personalized production offered by the Industry 4.0 concept on SCP and thus the sustainable development of the economy. This article presents the results of a survey conducted on a selected group of consumers, focusing on learning about expectations, consumer preferences f... [more]

Currently, the concept of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) is reaching most companies by changing the characteristics of their production systems. The aim of this study was to determine the possibilities of applying I4.0 concepts and tools to the product development process in a small- to medium-sized enterprise (SME)—a food processing technology supplier that offers individually tailored solutions. The study employs the case study methodology along with conceptual studies. Based on the available I4.0 concepts/technologies, the areas of the process that could be improved were identified. The study concludes with proposing several modifications in the process in the context of I4.0. Some of the process stages can be shortened by implementing I4.0 tools. It was found that the length of the process can be shortened from 36 to 26 months, and possible gains also include energy savings. Technological tools, referred to as augmented/virtual reality, along with simulations and virtual manufacturing, seem t... [more]

Light-emitting diode (LED) digital twins enable the implementation of fast digital design flows for LED-based products as the lighting industry moves towards Industry 4.0. The LED digital twin developed in the European project Delphi4LED mimics the thermal-electrical-optical behavior of a physical LED. It consists of two parts: a package-level LED compact thermal model (CTM), coupled to a chip-level multi-domain model. In this paper, the accuracy and computation time reductions achieved by using LED CTMs, compared to LED detailed thermal models, in 3D system-level models with a large number of LEDs are investigated. This is done up to luminaire-level, where all heat transfer mechanisms are accounted for, and up to 60 LEDs. First, we characterize a physical phosphor-converted white high-power LED and apply LED-level modelling to produce an LED detailed model and an LED CTM following the Delphi4LED methodology. It is shown that the steady-state junction temperature errors of the LED CTM,... [more]

Application of a high-efficiency voice communication systems based on broadband over power line-power line communication (BPL-PLC) technology in medium voltage networks, including hazardous areas (like the oil and mining industry), as a redundant mean of wired communication (apart from traditional fiber optics and electrical wires) can be beneficial. Due to the possibility of utilizing existing electrical infrastructure, it can significantly reduce deployment costs. Additionally, it can be applied under difficult conditions, thanks to battery-powered devices. During an emergency situation (e.g., after coal dust explosion), the medium voltage cables are resistant to mechanical damage, providing a potentially life-saving communication link between the supervisor, rescue team, paramedics, and the trapped personnel. The assessment of such a system requires a comprehensive and accurate examination, including a number of factors. Therefore, various models were tested, considering: different... [more]

The main aim of the manuscript is the identification of key research problems in the field of sustainable development, in the era of implementing the Industry 4.0 concept. The manuscript presents results of the bibliometric analysis in the subject: “Sustainable Industry 4.0”. The bibliometric analysis was realized in three segments: Sustainability, Industry 4.0 and Sustainable Industry 4.0. In the analysis, the following databases were used: Web of Science (WoS), Scopus, Google Scholar. The main purpose of the analysis was to outline the dynamics of publications in the categories: citation, author, country, type document, science field, research area. The review of sources carried out in this way allowed us to identify key research areas and confirm the research thesis adopted in the manuscript. The research thesis: Sustainable Industry 4.0 allows the integration of the Industry 4.0 concept with sustainable development goals. The article is dedicated especially to scientists looking fo... [more]