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Systematic Review
Revised

Information and communication integration in smart factory design

[version 2; peer review: 2 approved with reservations, 1 not approved]
PUBLISHED 21 Jul 2023
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This article is included in the Software and Hardware Engineering gateway.

Abstract

Strategic smart factory design is essential to utilize Industry 4.0 technologies in production environments effectively. Although a series of earlier reviews in the context of smart manufacturing have been published, so far none addresses smart factory design, i. e. the planning and operation of smart factories.  This review provides an overview of recent research in the field by systematizing opportunities, risks and success factors of smart factory design as available from recent empirical studies (2018-2022). Businesses are informed how smart factory design should be approached and implemented to realize cost advantages and increase competitiveness. Academic research benefits of a classification of relevant issues and open research fields are outlined.

Keywords

Industry 4.0, smart factory design, shop floor management, information and communication technology

Revised Amendments from Version 1

The text has been made easier to read according to the reviewers' suggestions. The sections are now separated into

Abstract
Introduction
Earlier related reviews
Methods
Results
Discussion

In addition, the underlining tables in the Results chapter have been placed at the end. The continuous text is now more coherent to read and the tables give detailed knowledge

See the authors' detailed response to the review by Deepika Pandita
See the authors' detailed response to the review by Varun Tripathi

Introduction

Smart factory design has become a buzzword in production engineering in the context of the Industry 4.0 debate: According to a study by PWC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) consultants, 91% of industrial companies are investing in digital factory technology in Europe and 90% of survey participants believe that opportunities of smart factory design outweigh its risks from a business perspective (PWC, 2022). But is this assumption justified or positivistic?

Digital data processing enables the automation of all production steps and their and autonomous flow integration (Mabkhot et al., 2018; Rejikumar et al., 2019). Intelligent value chains and product life cycles supporting the way of products from design to recycling have been called “Industry 4.0 technologies”. Industry 4.0 is characterized by on-time interoperability of virtual decentral and service-oriented modular systems in the supply chain (Rejikumar et al., 2019). This extends to the usage phase of smart products, i.e. intelligent and networked products indicating producers of the necessary life cycle data and retrieving operation data automatically through the Internet of Things (Brettel et al., 2014).

Smart factories comprise self-organizing virtually interlinked autonomous supply chain production and delivery environments that integrate production, machinery, and information technology based on decentral information and communication infrastructures (Rejikumar et al., 2019). These cyber-physical systems self-organize essential production flows but also provide interlinks for human intervention and human integration in the work process, which is essential for control and supervision. Social machines collaborate with human beings by retrieving or analyzing provided data and images according to man-defined requirements or supporting human activities physically or informationally (Zavadska & Zavadsky, 2018).

The integration of information and communication in smart factory environments offers important opportunities to realize economies of scale, save resources and use manpower more efficiently (Oesterreich & Teuteberg, 2016). To implement smart factory designs at the informational level, however, huge amounts of data have to be collected stored, retrieved and analyzed to develop and supervise production routines and order flows autonomously. This puts high requirements on information technology development and maintenance.

Smart factory design refers to factory layout, planning and construction aimed to integrate machines and production based on Industry 4.0 information technology (Kagermann et al., 2013). Machinery and equipment communicate via the Internet of Things a virtual networking platform (Osterrieder et al., 2020). Based on that technology, smart factories could span the whole supply and delivery chain: social machines, i.e. communicative self-organized IT technology could communicate across factories and digital production technologies. Different companies could interact locally and self-reliantly (Mabkhot et al., 2018).

This study evaluates opportunities, challenges and success factors of information and communication in smart factory design based on a systematic literature review of empirical studies to outline the status of existing literature, identify further empirical research fields and inform companies how to make smart factory environments succeed.

Earlier related reviews

Although a series of topical (2018 and beyond) reviews in the context of Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing are available, the research field of information and communication integration in smart factory design has not yet been explored: Rejikumar et al. (2019) retrieve distinguishing attributes of Industry 4.0 applications from earlier studies and analyze the content and timeline of publications, but do not explicitly discuss opportunities and challenges of the technologies. Fatorachian and Kazemi (2020) evaluate the impacts of Industry 4.0 on supply chain performance, a part sector of smart manufacturing. Erro-Garcés (2019) conducts a meta-analysis of Industry 4.0 studies published between 2005 and 2018 and highlights managerial issues. With its Industry 4.0 focus, this approach is broader than the current study, does not explicitly mention challenges, and does not include the most recent papers. Calabrese et al. (2020) conduct a review of opportunities, difficulties and development goals of Industry 4.0 technologies and systematize nine technologies, among them smart worker and smart equipment technologies which are part of the smart manufacturing process, but do not conclusively describe them. The study lacks an analysis of success factors.

Five recent reviews in the context of smart manufacturing are available: Yang et al. (2018) systematize recent research trends in smart manufacturing based on a review. The review by Osterrieder et al. (2020) of smart factory studies systematizes technical solutions and identifies groups of technologies to outline a digital value stream. Hughes et al. (2020) discuss the future potentials of Industry 4.0 applications to manufacturing but do not assess presently available technologies. None of these studies discusses smart factory design, its potentials, risks or success factors.

Some specialized reviews partly address the potentials and risks of smart manufacturing in certain contexts: Mabkhot et al. (2018) identify “perspectives of smart factory applications and technical support systems for smart factory implementation” in the form of proprieties of smart production and smart products but does not refer to smart factory planning and construction. The study also neglected potential risks of smart manufacturing. Lee et al. (2018) discuss literature on machine health management (i.e. maintenance and repair) in smart factories, but do not refer to smart factory design. Mittal et al. (2019) critically review the applicability of available smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 maturity models to SME and diagnose low adaptiveness to small business manufacturing practices. All three studies focus on a part segment of smart manufacturing and are thus narrower in range than the intended study and problem rather than solution focused.

So far, no review systematically juxtaposes the opportunities and risks of information and communication integration in smart factory design based on a comprehensive analysis of presently available technologies and referring to the most recent studies. This review aims to close this research void.

Methods

This study conducts a systematic review based on a methodology suggested by Synder (2019). The purpose of the study is to identify and analyze topical empirical research in information and communication integration in smart factory design. Three key research questions are meant to be answered:

  • What are the opportunities of smart factory applications from the perspective of production company applications?

  • Which problems of smart factory applications have been observed?

  • What can be done to design smart factory applications so that opportunities are fulfilled while problems are avoided?

Figure 1 outlines the literature research process: To identify eligible studies the review uses a systematic research strategy. The review is limited to studies in English published in peer reviewed journals or at academic conferences in the period 2018 to 2022. To systematize the research process, the databases EbscoHost, Web of Knowledge, Science Direct and Scholar Google were consulted using the following homogenous keyword combination: [“smart factory design” OR “smart factory] AND [information OR communication] AND [review OR empirical]” The databases sort by relevance and studies are considered until a point of saturation is reached i.e. no further eligible studies are found or results repeated.

e283dbda-1941-4093-8b80-bc72d419d0d8_figure1.gif

Figure 1. Outline of review process.

A secondary manual evaluation process deselects reviews and then discards non-empirical studies, studies of minor empirical quality and studies that do not fit content-wise, i.e. do not focus on smart factory applications but are more general, e.g. on Industry 4.0. From the initially identified 54 studies (based on the key word combination), 11 are identified as reviews (see above) and deselected from the core analysis, 27 are discarded due to lacking focus on “smart manufacturing” or lacking empirical evidence, and 16 remain for the final review. For a graphical overview of the literature research process (see Figure 1).

First the studies are summarized in an author-centric table addressing sample, research method, identified opportunities, limitations and success factors and points of critique. This step corresponds to Webster & Watson’s (2002) content matrix. The study to catalog the studies and extract relevant major and subcategories, a so-called concept matrix is drafted, which reorganizes the points made by arguments in major and sub-items and structures the textual evaluation (compare appendix). The textual evaluation of the studies follows the organization of the concept tables.

Based on a synthesis of the review results, the opportunities and risks of smart factory technologies are juxtaposed. Drawing on the outlined success factors the potentials to resolve inherent risks are discussed. Further research requirements are given if adequate solutions to recognized risks of smart factory design are unavailable.

Results: I&C integration in smart factory design

The appendix provides an overview of the retrieved studies in the form of a content matrix (Table 1). Further classification is seen in concept matrices of opportunities, risks and success factors of smart factory design (Table 2, Table 3 and Table 4 respectively) (Webster & Watson, 2002). The arguments for opportunities, risks and success factors are each classified into technical informational, economic and sustainability (social or environmental) aspects. Technical aspects dominate the discussion and refer to the planning phase and the operation phase of smart factories. This structure guides the following sections:

Opportunities of smart factory design

Only two studies (Guo et al., 2019; Xia et al., 2021) refer to technical opportunities in the planning stage of smart factories, i.e. the actual design phase, and suggest to develop and refer to a digital twin of the planned factory to simulate the production environment first (Guo et al., 2019). Digital twins are electronic usually 3-dimensional models which are developed and refined in the planning process. They comprise building-related information, machinery equipment data and are extended to simulate production flows and interconnections in the supply chain (Xia et al., 2021). Digital twins allow the flexible analysis of design options and realistic simulation of production conditions. Simulations in the planning stage avoid erroneous designs and avoid ill-designed physical plants (Guo et al., 2019; Xia et al., 2021).

Most evaluated contributions however assess the technical advantages of smart factories in operation as compared to conventional production (Baek, 2021; Ko et al., 2020; Micheler et al., 2019; Braccini & Margherita, 2018; Mantravadi et al., 2020; Lee, 2021; Suebsook et al., 2020). The transition to smart manufacturing by designing a smart factory offers diverse advantages for businesses:

Smart factories contribute to an optimization of production process flows (Ko et al., 2020) and partly enable fully self-organizing shop floors (Micheler et al., 2019), which saves manpower on the shop floor and frees human resources for responsible control and supervision tasks. Production in automated supply and processing chains is adapted to demand at short notice, i.e. is on-time responsive to order flows (Lee, 2021).

Smart manufacturing realizes product quality improvements due to high automation quotas and digital control and planning solutions (Braccini & Margherita, 2018; Ko et al., 2020) Smart factories usually dispose of real time digital failure analysis, which facilitates error detection and avoidance (Baek, 2021). Human workers are discharged of responsibility.

The advantages of smart factory design at the informational level refer to the informational model backing technical implementation at the manufacturing machines and in the logistics of the production process. Digital media synchronize information flows across workshops, storages and machines on time (Häckel et al., 2019). Machines interact and communicate in a self-organized manner without necessary human intervention (Schaupp & Diab, 2020). Standardized production processes are run through the value chain automatically (Häckel et al., 2019). An extensive informational network systematizes the production process based on earlier flow data (Micheler et al., 2019).

Friction less order flows presuppose the interoperability of the IT systems of production machines and IT manufacturing planning systems (Mantravadi et al., 2022; Suebsook et al., 2020). Information and communication architectures are designed flexible to adapt to different Internet of Things, devices which allows a flexible composition of the production chain (Mantravadi et al., 2022). Work process inventories can be reduced on that basis (Xia et al., 2021) and manpower is saved for responsible extraordinary information management tasks (Micheler et al., 2019).

Technical and informational opportunities of smart factory design produce economic advantages. As compared to conventional production smart manufacturing sites frequently realize productivity increases (Braccini & Margherita, 2018; Lee, 2021). Demand based production reduces redundancies and allows efficiency gains (Lee, 2021).

Smart manufacturing saves time in the inner organizational order flow (Guo et al., 2019) and equally reduces delivery time due to just-in-time planning (Xia et al., 2021). Realized economies of scale reduce costs and increase business competitiveness (Vestin et al., 2018).

Social and environmental sustainability of smart manufacturing sites can be increased as compared to conventional production (Micheler et al., 2019) due to higher energy consumption continuity (Braccini & Margherita, 2018). Information technology-supported production machines are worker friendly and service oriented, which improves work conditions and satisfaction on the job (Suebsook et al., 2020).

Risks of smart factory design

Technical risks of smart factory design at the planning stage are often concerned with the excessive complexity of site and equipment layout (Jin & Lee, 2018). Guo et al. (2019) are concerned about the potentially lacking adequacy or over-sophistication of the “digital twin” i.e. building information management model, which impairs its operability and puts the reproducibility of simulation results at risk. Due to rapid planning cycles and dynamic technological development (Häckel et al., 2019) smart manufacturing equipment is threatened by obsolescence (Büchi et al., 2020). Häckel et al. (2019) fear compatibility problems among IT and production machines and incompatibility between the diverse modular units of the plant. Limited availability of measurement data could impair the prognosis and early identification of compatibility issues (Wang & Lee, 2021).

At the stage of operation, technical problems could emerge due to high function complexity (Häckel et al., 2019), which entails a high number of interactions between modular production devices and the corporate enterprise resource planning architecture (Baek, 2021). Incorrect demand forecasts resulting from technical malalignment could mean a major threat to the implementation of efficient smart manufacturing systems (Ko et al., 2020). Häckel et al. (2019) fear lacking operationality of smart manufacturing equipment due to the failure and temporary unavailability of essential components. The limited operability of individual Industry 4.0 components could endanger the flow of the whole production process if all units are interdependent and automatized (Micheler et al., 2019).

Informational risks of smart factory design are frequently connected to IT security (Häckel et al., 2019). Autonomous and interdependent systems and complex network architectures relying on the web 2.0 as a communication channel have been exposed to hacker attacks and data abuse (Ko et al., 2020). In smart manufacturing, complex network architectures intermesh the whole supply chain. Limited capabilities of supply chain partners (Lee, 2021), can impair the functioning of the whole logistic process and make highly sophisticate solutions at the core company redundant (Häckel et al., 2019). Studies further discuss low strategic guidance and orientation from in-house management with regard to the conclusive implementation of smart factory designs (Micheler et al., 2019). Leaders feel a loss of personal control of information and manufacturing technologies interact self-reliantly and are reluctant to admit further digitalization steps (Schaupp & Diab, 2020). According to Vestin et al. (2018), lacking organizational adaptiveness to modern technologies is a major reason for the failure or inadequate implementation of smart factory technologies.

Economic restrictions to smart factory design are repeatedly mentioned in the retrieved studies (Büchi et al., 2020; Häckel et al., 2019; Lee, 2021). Companies fear that the investment in smart factory architectures will not amortize due to lower-than-expected efficiency gains (Häckel et al., 2019). High investment costs in digital solutions are a major reason to stick to established analogous production systems. Businesses facing resource constraints are partly unable to gain investment partners for innovative Industry 4.0 solutions if the profitability is uncertain (Micheler et al., 2019).

Finally, smart factory design is assumed to be little responsible from a social perspective: Smart manufacturing hardly creates new jobs but makes workers with low qualification redundant (Ko et al., 2020). Human labor is replaced by a network of self-reliant machines and information and communication technology (Schaupp & Diab, 2020).

Success factors of smart factory design

Success factors of smart factory design targeted at controlling technical, informational and economic risks and caveats. At the technical planning stage of smart factories, the real-world fidelity of the digital factory model (digital twin) is essential. It is gradually adapted to real data structures and production flows as planning progresses (Guo et al., 2019). Xia et al. (2021) explained that the development of a digital twin requires a detailed analysis of the product life cycle and extensive data bases of the building information model, which is continuously updated and fed with the most recent production data.

Modular systems are resilient to disruptions in the value chain or temporary information lacks since they can accomplish their tasks self-reliantly, even if part of the production network breaks down (Ko et al., 2020). On the other hand, strict modularity based on common technical standards is essential to fit the value creation chain together and interconnect it in virtual space (Büchi et al., 2020). Mantravadi et al. (2022) recommended the application of standardized modular interfaces to ensure adaptiveness when the line’s process flow has to be changed or new equipment is integrated. Hardware and software, e.g. the digital databases, should be fully integrated (Li et al., 2019; Mantravadi et al., 2020), which requires electronic system compatibility across all levels of the value chain (Micheler et al., 2019). Büchi et al. (2020) advise that planning adequate breath, and depth of Industry 4.0 technology is essential to ensure sustainable evolution of the smart factory when novel technologies emerge in future or a redesign of the production process is required.

In technical operation, smart factories should be equipped with a detailed productivity management system to direct order flows through the system effectively. Baek (2021) emphasizes the relevance of reliable automated prognostic tools to schedule production planning based on a data base (Guo et al., 2019). To keep automated production systems running, accurate parameter validation and control is indispensable which again is based on a gapless information management system (Ko et al., 2020). To ensure high production quality of automated manufacturing systems these should dispose of an equally digitalized quality management concept and rely on standardized work processes as much as possible (Lee, 2021). The detailed supervision of defect rates through that system allows to recognize deviances early and human intervention should be possible without delay in that case (Ko et al., 2020).

The informational basis is key to operate smart factories without friction, which comprises an effective failure management (Baek, 2021). Wang & Lee (2021) exemplify this by a digital path loss training algorithm based on 5G technology which intervenes in case of erroneous production flows. Maximum IT security standards are required to keep self-reliant smart manufacturing systems safe and running. Access limitations and clear accountability regulations are fundamental to the informational safety of the production line. This includes adequate (human) IT support in case of extraordinary events (Häckel et al., 2019). As Li et al. (2019) observe, smart factory effectiveness and sustainability depend on a conclusive strategic business-IT alignment scheme, which includes supply chain interaction. Micheler et al. (2019) suggest relying on cloud technologies for the storage and sharing of huge data volumes in that inter-business network.

To make smart factory design an economic success, businesses should dispose of the necessary managerial and cultural preconditions: Business culture should be open to innovation (Büchi et al., 2021), which as Jin & Lee (2018) explain depends on the progressive attitude of the top management. Leaders should be involved and committed to Industry 4.0 technologies to guide businesses on the long way to autonomous production and accept the necessary investments in sustainable technology (Li et al., 2019). An environment of high research and development activity and strongly growing companies is advantageous to the frictionless implementation of smart production systems since companies usually have to rely on innovative lending and investment partners to implement their strategy. A stringent yield management is essential to monitor the efficiency of smart production sites (Ko et al., 2020).

Discussion

Implications for practitioners

Summarizing the review results, smart factory design opportunities, risks, and success factors are conclusively classified into five corresponding categories technical aspects in planning and operation, informational aspects, economic aspects and social/ecological aspects. Businesses benefit of some fundamental advice as to the planning and operation of smart factories.

To utilize design opportunities in technical planning proactively, businesses are required to control technical complexity at the planning stage, avoid compatibility issues and risks of rapid obsolescence. Digital twin simulation are useful to predict future physical performance and ensure the frictionless interaction of all plant components in a modular design.

In technical operation smart manufacturing technology excels due to real time digital fault analysis, self-organizing shop floor environments and can realize higher quality standards at improved flexibility than conventional technologies. These benefits are threatened by low operability due to high system complexity and interdependency. To avoid these difficulties businesses should standardize operation and quality management routines and establish interlinks for early human intervention in case of difficulties.

At the informational level, smart factory design allows the automation of communication via self-organizing informational networks. In a real world application, however, IT security risks threaten plant operation and private data could be abused. Businesses risk losing control of production processes, and intervening late in case of failure, which can result in the costly failure of the entire production line. Low in-house competency to monitor and repair the plant, makes businesses dependent on expensive external experts. Businesses can reduce this dependence by developing in-house knowledge on their IT system and by applying tight IT security standards.

At the economic level, smart factories promise productivity increases, higher quality standards and in effect improved competitiveness. The investment costs to build smart factories, however, are significant. To amortize these expenses, smart production lines should be designed flexible to adapt to different production jobs and volumes. Investment or financing partners should be provided a reliable calculation of expected benefits of the smart factory.

If planned to requirements, smart factories can save energy, however, threaten unqualified jobs which are substituted by automated processes. Businesses should plan digitalization and automation early to develop their work force so that responsible jobs in machine and computer operation can be taken over by long-standing employees, while job cuts are avoided.

Implications for academia and call for further research

The evaluation of recent (published 2018 to 2022) studies in smart factory design has provided some general insights in the opportunities, risks and success factors of smart factory design from a business perspective. Essential categories for classifying these issues have been developed, which can be used as a foundation to further empirical research in smart factory design. The literature analysis has found 11 reviews and 16 empirical studies fitting with the research objective, which suggests that available research in Industry 4.0 and smart factory design tends to be theoretical and literature focussed. In available empirical research, practice applications are frequently based on single case studies i.e. smart factory applications in individual companies (Braccini & Margherita, 2018; Lee, 2021; Mantravadi et al., 2022; Vestin et al., 2018; Xia et al., 2021), which impairs the representativeness of these studies. Empirical studies differ in focus and range: Some focus on particular technologies (e.g. Wang & Lee, 2021: 5G communications; Guo et al., 2019: digital twin; Häckel et al., 2019: IT security risks; Baek, 2021: vibration sensor signals in automated storage). Their results apply to specific conditions but are not generally applicable to smart factory design in other contexts. Other studies are very broad in range (e.g. Büchi et al., 2020; Industry 4.0 application in manufacturing units; Jin & Lee, 2018: Smart factory construction in Korea; Micheler et al., 2019: Smart technologies in Industry 4.0). The results of these studies are broadly applicable but little concrete concerning concrete smart factory implementations. Businesses planning smart factory solutions, thus obtain little valuable information from current academic research.

Further empirical research in smart factory design is required, to systematize available smart manufacturing technologies and empirically analyse implementations of smart factory solutions, ideally in the form of a comparative analysis including several businesses. the issues of smart supply chain integration and man–machine interaction planning have hardly been addressed in recent empirical studies and further research in these fields of smart factory design is desirable.

Table 1. Overview on reviewed studies.

Empirical research in smart manufacturing – 2018 to 2022
StudyIndustry/applicationPotentialslimitationsSuccess factorsPoint of critique
Baek, 2021Adaption and monitoring of vibration sensor signals in automated storageReal time fault analysis
Digital failure detection
High function complexityDigital failure management
Facilitate automatic prognosis
Limited risk assessment
Braccini & Margherita, 2018Sustainability of smart manufacturing, case studyImproved productivity & product quality
Continuity of energy consumption
Safer work environment, lower human work load
Job enrichment
No critical reflections
Büchi et al., 2020Analysis of success factors of Industry 4.0 application in manufacturing unitsHigh investment costs
Risk of obsolescence
Openness to technical innovation
Depth, breadth of Industry 4.0 technology
Modularity of Industry 4.0 local units
Guo et al., 2019Usage of digital twin to model smart factory designQuick analysis of design options
Early identification of design errors
Time saving
Reduce costs early in planning phase
Complexity at planning stageHigh real-world fidelity of digital twin
Accurate parameter validation
Control strategies
Virtual model correspondence to physical data structures
Study limited to design stage
Häckel et al., 2019Analysis of IT security risks in smart factory networks using graph theory and value at riskReal time information synchronization
Automated communication
IT security risks
IT component non-availability
Complex network structures
High investment
Rapid development cycles
Tight IT security measures
Appropriate support required
Access accuracy and accountability solutions
1st AuthorIndustry/applicationPotentialslimitationsSuccess factorsPoint of critique
Jin & Lee, 2018Smart factory construction
Korean metal working firms
Complex planning processCEOs progressive intentions
Innovative lending 6 investment
Framing industrial characteristics
Firm growth and high R&D activity
Limited focus on I&C technology
Ko et al., 2020113 smart factories in KoreaImproved final product quality
Process optimization
Securing and managing facility data
Product demand forecast
Low job creation
Integrate modular systems
Targeted yield management
Supervising defect rate
Limited to (early) Korean smart factories
Lee, 2021Survey among workers in smart factories in Korean SMEProduction line supervision
Improved efficiency & productivity
Flexible production
High investment costs
Limited supply chain abilities
ERP system
Targetted quality management
Ethical management: CEO support
Productivity management systems
Work process standardization
Limited to Korea (only partly comparable to more industrialized countries)
Li et al., 2019Embedding big data solutions in smart factories
Semistructured interviews
Top management commitment
Business-IT strategic alignment
Appropriate hardware (cloud, communication technology, big data)
Supply chain integration
Mantravadi et al., 2022Industrial Internet of Things in manufacturing
Case study
Interoperability
Quality improvement
Responsiveness
Flexibility to different IoT devices
Develop standardized interfaces
Ensure modularity
Use open-source components
Single case only
University industrial lab
Micheler et al., 2019Smart technologies in Industry 4.0 Online survey & workshopHigher sustainability
Informational networking
Self-organizing shop-floors
Resource constraints
Connection between modular systems
Dynamic & extreme environmental conditions disturb connectivity
Compatibility problems, complexity
Lacking strategic guidance
Ensure system compatibility particularly hard & software
Utilization of cloud technologies
Suebsook et al., 2020Smart manufacturing in ThailandIncrease firm performance i.e. market share, cost reduction by interoperability technological advances and service orientation
Schaupp & Diab, 2020Interviews with smart factory managers in GermanyAutomate the self-organization of industrial capitalShift of personal control from management to cybernetic control
Replacement of direct labour by autonomous systems
Pure economic viewpoint, no success factors
Vestin et al., 2018Smart factories for wood house builders
Single case study
Improved competitiveness due to economies of scaleMaturity of culture & organization to modern work methods
Wang & Lee, 20215G communications in smart factory scenariosLimited available measurement dataIndoor path loss prediction analysis
Training of path loss models based on neural networks
Xia et al., 2021Digital twin system for smart factory construction application in hydraulic cylinder productionReduction of work-in process inventory
Save delivery time
Virtual reality simulation, mapping & control
Definition of digital twin on basis of product lifecycle requirements
Refinement of digital twin in planning &construction phase
Reliance on Building information management database
Analyze user requirements

Table 2. Concept matrix of opportunities of smart factory design.

Opportunitiessubcategorysource
Technical in planningDigital twin: design options analysis
Virtual reality simulation, mapping & control
Guo et al., 2019
Xia et al., 2021
Technical in operationReal time, digital fault analysis
Error avoidance
Baek, 2021
Process optimizationKo et al., 2020
Self-organizing shop floorsMicheler et al., 2019
Product quality improvement
Improved final product quality
Quality improvement
Braccini & Margherita, 2018
Ko et al., 2020
Mantravadi et al., 2022
Production flexibility, responsiblenessLee, 2021
Technological advanceSuebsook et al., 2020
InformationalReal time information synchronizationHäckel et al., 2019
Automated communication
Self-organization
Häckel et al., 2019
Schaupp & Diab, 2020
Informational networkingMicheler et al., 2019
Cost reduction by digital twin in planning phaseGuo et al., 2019
interoperabilityMantravadi et al., 2022
Suebsook et al., 2020
Flexibility to different IoT devicesMantravadi et al., 2022
Reduced work in process inventoriesXia et al., 2021
EconomicProductivity increaseBraccini & Margherita, 2018
Improved efficiency & productivityLee, 2021
Time saving
Reduced delivery time
Guo et al., 2019
Xia et al., 2021
Increased firm performanceSuebsook et al., 2020
Economies of scale - competitivenessVestin et al., 2018
Sustainability/socialEnergy consumption continuityBraccini & Margherita, 2018
Higher sustainabilityMicheler et al., 2019
Service orientationSuebsook et al., 2020

Table 3. Concept matrix of risks of smart factory design.

Riskssubcategorysource
Technical in planning stageComplexity at planning stageGuo et al., 2019
Jin & Lee, 2018
Risk of obsolescenceBüchi et al., 2020
Rapid planning cyclesHäckel et al., 2019
Compatibility problems
Limited measurement dataWang & Lee, 2021
Technical in operation stageHigh function complexityBaek, 2021
Häckel et al., 2019
Component non-availabilityHäckel et al., 2019
Correct demand forecastKo et al., 2020
Unconditional operabilityMicheler et al., 2019
InformationalIT security risksHäckel et al., 2019
Securing and managing dataKo et al., 2020
Complex network structuresHäckel et al., 2019
Limited supply chain capabilitiesLee, 2021
Modular system interconnectionsMicheler et al., 2019
Low strategic guidance/orientationMicheler et al., 2019
Loss of personal controlSchaupp & Diab, 2020
Organizational adaptiveness to modern technologiesVestin et al., 2018
EconomicHigh investment costsBüchi et al., 2020
Häckel et al., 2019
Lee, 2021
Resource constraintsMicheler et al., 2019
Sustainable/socialLow job creationKo et al., 2020
Replacement of human labourSchaupp & Diab, 2020

Table 4. Concept matrix of success factors of smart factory design.

Success factorssubcategorysource
Technical in planningReal world fidelity of digital twin
Virtual model correspondence to physical data structures
Guo et al., 2019
Analysis of product livecycle requirements (digital twin)
Reliance on BMI data
Xia et al., 2021
Modularity of technology
Modular systems
Modular standardized interfaces
Büchi et al., 2020
Ko et al., 2020
Mantravadi et al., 2022
Appropriate hardware & data integration
System compatibility
Li et al., 2019
Mantravadi et al., 2020
Micheler et al., 2019
Breadth & depth of Industry 4.0 technologyBüchi et al., 2020
Technical in operationReliable automated prognostic toolsBaek, 2021
Accurate parameter validation and controlGuo et al., 2019
Supervision of defect ratesKo et al., 2020
Productivity management systemKo et al., 2020
Work process standardization
Effective quality managementLee, 2021
InformationalEffective failure managementBaek, 2021
Path loss training in production flowsWang & Lee, 2021
Tight IT securityHäckel et al., 2019
Adequate IT supportHäckel et al., 2019
Access limitation and accountabilityHäckel et al., 2019
Strategic business-IT alignmentLi et al., 2019
Supply chain integrationLi et al., 2019
Cloud technology usageMicheler et al., 2019
EconomicOpenness to technical innovation
Progressive CEO intentions
Top management commitment
Büchi et al., 2021
Jin & Lee, 2018
Li et al., 2019
High R&D activity, firm growthJin & Lee, 2018
Innovative lending & investmentJin & Lee, 2018
Targeted yield managementKo et al., 2020

Study limitations

This study has provided an overview of recent empirical and review-based publications in smart factory design, has derived advice for businesses investing in the field and has outlined further academic research requirements. However, the insights gained here are limited in range. Only 27 studies (11 reviews and 16 empirical studies) have been referred to due to limitations in range. Publications before 2018 have not been considered. The provided overview on smart factory design research thus is not comprehensive and the inclusion of further studies would be useful to obtain a representative overview of available smart factory technologies and their potential integration.

Author contributions

Collection and analysis were performed by Christian Fauska. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Christian Fauska, and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Data availability

Underlying data

All data are available as part of the article.

Reporting guidelines

FIGSHARE: PRISMA checklist and flowchart for ‘Information and communication integration in smart factory design: a systematic review’, https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.20279223.v1 (Fauska & Kniežová, 2022).

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Version 2
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Fauska C and Kniežová J. Information and communication integration in smart factory design [version 2; peer review: 2 approved with reservations, 1 not approved]. F1000Research 2023, 11:1026 (https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.122355.2)
NOTE: If applicable, it is important to ensure the information in square brackets after the title is included in all citations of this article.
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Open Peer Review

Current Reviewer Status: ?
Key to Reviewer Statuses VIEW
ApprovedThe paper is scientifically sound in its current form and only minor, if any, improvements are suggested
Approved with reservations A number of small changes, sometimes more significant revisions are required to address specific details and improve the papers academic merit.
Not approvedFundamental flaws in the paper seriously undermine the findings and conclusions
Version 2
VERSION 2
PUBLISHED 21 Jul 2023
Revised
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5
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Reviewer Report 13 Oct 2023
Athanasios Kalogeras, Industrial Systems Institute, Patras, Greece 
Approved with Reservations
VIEWS 5
The paper presents a literature review related to ICT integration in the context of smart factory design. The methodology followed for the review is sound although the number of papers reviewed seems really low for the topic. The authors identify ... Continue reading
CITE
CITE
HOW TO CITE THIS REPORT
Kalogeras A. Reviewer Report For: Information and communication integration in smart factory design [version 2; peer review: 2 approved with reservations, 1 not approved]. F1000Research 2023, 11:1026 (https://doi.org/10.5256/f1000research.152180.r210593)
NOTE: it is important to ensure the information in square brackets after the title is included in all citations of this article.
Version 1
VERSION 1
PUBLISHED 09 Sep 2022
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12
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Reviewer Report 02 Jun 2023
Varun Tripathi, Accurate Institute of Management & Technology, Greater Noida, India 
Not Approved
VIEWS 12
The authors reviewed recent research works in the context of smart manufacturing by systematizing opportunities, risks, and success factors of smart factory design as available from recent empirical studies. The manuscript's contents are well short of the standard for publication ... Continue reading
CITE
CITE
HOW TO CITE THIS REPORT
Tripathi V. Reviewer Report For: Information and communication integration in smart factory design [version 2; peer review: 2 approved with reservations, 1 not approved]. F1000Research 2023, 11:1026 (https://doi.org/10.5256/f1000research.134334.r173434)
NOTE: it is important to ensure the information in square brackets after the title is included in all citations of this article.
  • Author Response 21 Jul 2023
    Christian Fauska, Faculty of Management, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
    21 Jul 2023
    Author Response
    Hello,

    Thank you very much for your feedback. I have tried to improve the points in a 2nd version. Some points were, in my opinion, already described. Therefore, a ... Continue reading
COMMENTS ON THIS REPORT
  • Author Response 21 Jul 2023
    Christian Fauska, Faculty of Management, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
    21 Jul 2023
    Author Response
    Hello,

    Thank you very much for your feedback. I have tried to improve the points in a 2nd version. Some points were, in my opinion, already described. Therefore, a ... Continue reading
Views
18
Cite
Reviewer Report 07 Nov 2022
Deepika Pandita, Business Management, Symbiosis International University, Pune, India 
Approved with Reservations
VIEWS 18
The article is surely a very interesting one, but the following aspects needs to be worked on by the authors:

1. The abstract needs to be re-worked very explicitly stating the need and objective of the study. ... Continue reading
CITE
CITE
HOW TO CITE THIS REPORT
Pandita D. Reviewer Report For: Information and communication integration in smart factory design [version 2; peer review: 2 approved with reservations, 1 not approved]. F1000Research 2023, 11:1026 (https://doi.org/10.5256/f1000research.134334.r153717)
NOTE: it is important to ensure the information in square brackets after the title is included in all citations of this article.
  • Author Response 21 Jul 2023
    Christian Fauska, Faculty of Management, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
    21 Jul 2023
    Author Response
    Hello,

    Thank you very much for your feedback. I have tried to improve the points in a 2nd version. Some points were, in my opinion, already described. Therefore, a ... Continue reading
COMMENTS ON THIS REPORT
  • Author Response 21 Jul 2023
    Christian Fauska, Faculty of Management, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
    21 Jul 2023
    Author Response
    Hello,

    Thank you very much for your feedback. I have tried to improve the points in a 2nd version. Some points were, in my opinion, already described. Therefore, a ... Continue reading

Comments on this article Comments (0)

Version 2
VERSION 2 PUBLISHED 09 Sep 2022
Comment
Alongside their report, reviewers assign a status to the article:
Approved - the paper is scientifically sound in its current form and only minor, if any, improvements are suggested
Approved with reservations - A number of small changes, sometimes more significant revisions are required to address specific details and improve the papers academic merit.
Not approved - fundamental flaws in the paper seriously undermine the findings and conclusions
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