Smart factory concept for an agri-processing plant in the Western Cape

Abstract

This research is an empirical study of the smart factories (SF) concept in an agri-processing environment. It suggests how Industry 4.0 (I4.0) could be harnessed by designing a future-concept virtual 3D model compared with the current state. A future factory with six SF principles is recommended in line with I4.0 perspectives. A case study is carried out and a 3D model is designed in SIMIO (SIMIO LLC 2018). This current-state design, along with quantitative and qualitative data, forms the recommendations. Measurement parameters are chosen that are linked to the observed metrics of the case company, namely output, quality, cost, and utilisation. A productivity metric is added to gauge the success or failure of the models. The claim is that SF concepts, when applied, improve productivity. Finally, a benchmark criteria sheet for SF generation is developed to assist with future factory concepts.