The Intelligent Factory

Disruptions in global supply chains have rarely ever caused more headlines than at the moment. The nature of internationally connected supply chains has been to take advantage of globalization strategies for sourcing, production and distribution of products and materials. Consequently, there is hardly any industry that is not highly globalized and vulnerable to disruption. Now, while these disruptions have varying impacts on industries and individual companies, the hypothesis discussed in this book is that executing a strict digitalization strategy based on Industry 4.0 principles helps manufacturing companies master these disruptions and even turn them into opportunities. Implementing Indus- try 4.0 strategies increases productivity and agility for manufacturing operations and provides much higher visibility. Consequently, the resiliency against supply chain disruptions is significantly increased.

This book covers:

Introduction to Industry 4.0 principles
How to execute an Industry 4.0 strategy
Insights into SAP’s strategy Industry 4.Now
Case study examples