The role of Industry 4.0 enabling technologies in layout design and management: Current scenario and future developments

In recent years, the design and management of production systems is radically changing with the advent of Industry 4.0 era. Innovations introduced and obtained thanks to the application of Industry 4.0 principles consist in the integration of the so called “nine pillars of technologies” in manufacturing management, leading to the transformation of the conventional factory into a smart factory. More specifically, the introduced innovations involve multiple aspects and areas of the production systems. In this scenario, the aim of this study is to investigate enabling technologies of Industry 4.0, focusing on technologies that have a greater impact on layout design and management. Main characteristics of these technologies will be identified and described according to their application. In order to draw the current scenario, a literature review was performed to answer the research question in a comprehensively way. Results show how simulation, big data and cloud computing are the most used applications. Moreover, we found that the implementation of almost all Industry 4.0 technologies can bring benefits to the layout design, even in sectors other than industrial ones.