Integrating multiple industry 4.0 approaches and tools in an interoperable platform for manufacturing SMEs

Abstract

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often struggle to optimize their production processes and products due to limited resources and lack of expertise in technological solutions. To address this issue, this research work presents a multi-purpose platform that can be used by SMEs as easy-to use support tool to run what-if analyses to optimize their products and production processes design. The platform fulfills the requirements of interoperability, accessibility, and usability and is built upon a layered infrastructure, consisting of specific modules within its Decision-Making Layer, Data Exchange Layer, and User Management Layer. The platform integrates several software, including Plant Simulation, Autodesk Inventor Nastran, and Autodesk Inventor Nesting, to simulate production processes, to run finite element analysis, and to optimize raw material utilization. The interoperability and data exchange are ensured through the adoption of FIWARE, an open-source framework for IoT platforms, which enables the harmonized representation of data formats and semantics among different applications and software within the platform. The User Management Layer allows SMEs to easily interact with the platform, making it an easy-to-use tool even for those with limited IT competencies. A case study conducted by an SME in the furniture sector demonstrated the platform's effectiveness in achieving optimal design and production of a new bookcase, resulting in increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved profitability. The modular structure of the platform enables potential future integration of additional modules, such as quality control, supply chain management, etc., further enhancing its capabilities and potential benefits for SMEs. The proposed multi-purpose platform represents a valuable tool for SMEs to optimize their production processes and products and to overcome the limitations due to their limited resources and expertise in technological solutions.