International Scientific Journals
of Scientific Technical Union of Mechanical Engineering "Industry 4.0"

Industry 4.0 brings new challenges for the quantitative methods for the evaluation of system dependability properties such as reliability and safety. In this paper, we recall relevant Industry 4.0 and dependability concepts and provide an overview of available reliability and safety metrics and evaluation methods including event trees, fault trees, reliability block diagrams, and more sophisticated dynamic methods based on Markov chain models. The special focus is on the model-based application of these methods. The paper discusses several common MBSE paradigms, such as UML/SysML, AADL, and Simulink, that can be employed in the context of Industry 4.0 and allow automated generation of the dependability evaluation models. Finally, we discuss how the Industry 4.0 increases system complexity, justify what kind of dependability evaluation methods are required, and what limitations we still need to overcome.

Cognitive style is how people think, based on certain attitudes, perceptions and personality orientations. Cognitive styles are considered as basic elements for successful performance. Cognitive style is thought to predict performance in two ways: by allowing employees to quickly learn job-related knowledge and by processing information resulting in better decision making. But cognitive styles have received much less attention than they deserve, given their importance to employee’s functioning. The relationship between cognitive style and performance is not completely understood in scientific research. In this context, the thinking styles and performances of people working in Research and Development (R & D) departments such as other work places are determined by these cognitive styles, and it is important to research this in the era of Industry 4.0.

Because of emergence of Industry 4.0, the manufacturing systems are becoming extremely complex and, despite increasing IT support, they need a new generation of professionals with competences ranging from basic manufacturing processes to information technologies. Worldwide academia is adapting existing courses and is introducing new courses and study programmes to prepare university graduates to face the challenges of Industry 4.0. Such an endeavour is the Erasmus+ project MSIE 4.0 that unites universities from Thailand, Portugal, Poland and Romania. First project’s aim was to determine the real needs for specific competences, by analysing the curricula from several universities. Also, it was organised a survey on needed competences with industrial organisations and students from industrial engineering programmes. Based on the results obtained in these activities, an analysis was performed in order to determine the gap between the required and the actual sets of competences. The results obtained in Romania are presented in this paper.

Cyber-physical systems are structures that are controlled and monitored by computer-based algorithms consisting of physical components. The energy industry is becoming a large and complex cyber physical system with the industrial revolution. These developments in the energy sector have a positive effect on Industry 4.0. Developments in the fields of production, transmission and distribution, retail sales, trade and consumption from the elements of the energy sector are increasing day by day via sensor-based communicable autonomous systems. U.N. Industrial Revolution in its report in 2017 elaborate the relevancy between the Sustainable Development Goals no. 7 and 9 about sustainable energy and inclusive industry development that Industry 4.0 and sustainable energy transition share crucial concerns that can be interconnected to pursue a sustainable energy transition. Sustainable energy is defined to have two main components: energy efficiency and renewable energy. UNIDO’s initial hypothesis tells that a comprehensive shift in manufacturing may change the behavior in energy consumption, including energy efficiency and renewable energy usage. Circulating fluidized bed (CFB) technology is one of the important factors contributing to the above mentioned concept of sustainable energy.

Because of emergence of Industry 4.0, the manufacturing systems are becoming extremely complex and, despite increasing IT support, they need a new generation of professionals with competences ranging from basic manufacturing processes to information technologies. Worldwide academia is adapting existing courses and is introducing new courses and study programmes to prepare university graduates to face the challenges of Industry 4.0. Such an endeavour is the Erasmus+ project MSIE 4.0 that unites universities from Thailand, Portugal, Poland and Romania. First project’s aim was to determine the real needs for specific competences, by analysing the curricula from several universities. Also, it was organised a survey on needed competences with industrial organisations and students from industrial engineering programmes. Based on the results obtained in these activities, an analysis was performed in order to determine the gap between the required and the actual sets of competences. The results obtained in Romania are presented in this paper.

In this article, we present an idea for enhancing functionality of ordinary cardboard boxes for Industry 4.0. The simple sheet of paper and pencil were used for making an environmentally friendly sensor. By using simple technology and adhesive tape a system for opening detection was made. Emphasis was put on using off-the-shelf items; thus, everyone can replicate such sensor.

Industry 4.0 has a significant impact on the economic and social sphere of society. Changes in the economic system give rise to a number of social risks associated primarily with the labor market, occupational structure and employment. In the article the social risks of the digital economy, identifies threats and challenges to the education sector are systematized. Contradictions of the functioning of educational institutions are described. The innovative role of the educational system, which it can play in regional development, is defined. Innovative approaches to the development of the education system based on existing experience are proposed.

Mathematical modeling is the key parameter in designing new devices. Renewable energy technologies are getting higher importance in the near future. Mathematical modeling of circulating fluidized bed (CFB) biomass combustion could improve both their design and operation, reduce any associated problems and facilitate the implantation of this technology. A good understanding of the combustion and pollutant generating processes in the gasifier can greatly avoid costly upsets. Presently, there is a focus on developing models of CFB for burning biomass and waste material. The objectives of these models are to be able to predict the behavior with respect to the combustion efficiency, fouling problems and pollutant emissions performance of different fuels or mixtures in commercial CFBs. In this study, importance of mathematical modeling in designing CFB biomass gasifiers is investigated in view of innovative solutions.

Industry revolution is not a new thing for the world and it has been coming up till the machines were invented. And now, Production authorities have discussed the Industry 4.0 which is combinations of the existing manufacturing and large technological innovations and also, Supply Chain perspective is changing that product flows will become regional. This research paper will firstly aim to clearly understand the Industry 4.0 and what kind of changes occurs into the Supply Chain Environment. The Second part of the Research will focus on the Performance Measurement and Decision Making Analyzing which comparison between before Industry 4.0 and after applications of Industry 4.0. Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process Method is used for determination of comparison.

The research in the field of logistic processes in the printing house will be focused on defined the improvement in the context of the „Industry 4.0” concept. In the industry, the growing complexity of production makes logistic processes more and more important. In every printing house industry certain processes which are implemented in the sphere of production can be systematized. The study will focus on the importance and goals of logistics processes; distribution; logistic chain; analysis of the efficiency of processes; selection of suppliers and organization of deliveries, creating networks of cooperators in the enterprise; computer support of processes at production; designing logistic systems. The study will present logistic processes in the printing house based on the „Industry 4.0” concept. “Industry 4.0” is often identified in the first place with the digital transformation of production systems – their digitalization. The production sphere is also moving towards increasing digitalization, first and foremost by using wider applications: data management (Big Data), and above all effective acquisition (via various types of sensors) and analysis of data; automation, e.g. the combination of traditional manufacturing methods with artificial intelligence, allowing to reduce errors and costs; communication using broadband links to connect the whole value chain; digital communication with clients. The conclusion of the research will be providing improvements of processes in chosen printing industry analyzing the solutions of the “Industry 4.0” concept.

Nowadays, the dynamics of technologies development, as well as continuously growing customers‟ requirements, put industrial enterprises from around the world before the necessity of rethinking old strategies and building new dynamic business models, in order to successfully continue operating in today‟s conditions of a highly competent market environment. The digitalization takes a key position in this new scenario, where modern industrial enterprises should fit. Digital technologies, as well as the opportunities they create, are the main moving power, which enterprises should stake upon, to successfully raise their own efficiency. One of the biggest threats caused by the digital transformation of operations is for the people to be replaced by the machines. The present paper offers a conceptual framework of a methodology for investigating the role of human factor in a digital manufacturing environment.

Modern industry requires intelligent development of the product throughout its entire life cycle-from concept to recycling. These intelligent products (Smart Products) have information about their production processes, quality management, future application and recycling. They support active manufacturing processes (when will be produced, with what parameters, with what materials should be produced, when, what kind of modifications, etc.). Under these conditions the management of quality have to meet new requirements imposed by the fourth industrial revolution is discussed in this article.