Causal and temporal relationships within the combination of Lean Production Systems and Industry 4.0
Pascal Langlotz, Jan C. Aurich
Abstract
The concept of Lean Production System is applied in manufacturing systems around the globe. With the help of avoidance of waste on the shop floor and a holistic view of the manufacturing system, efficient processes are created. The concept of a Lean Production System with its principles and tools is influenced by a newer concept that is increasingly introduced in manufacturing systems as well, named Industry 4.0. Here, the connection of every resource, object, and human in real-time is aspired to handle future production problems. Such problems are, for example, the high demand for customized products that require a high degree of flexibility. Numerous researches address the combination of both concepts to create an efficient and also a flexible manufacturing system. However, an investigation of the relationships of these combinations is still missing. In this paper, the relationships of a method library, which links the concept of Lean Production System and Industry 4.0, are analyzed. Especially the causal and temporal relationships are examined. These relationships establish the interdependencies between the methods of Lean Production Systems and the technologies of Industry 4.0 and their implementation order.