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Cooperative Challenges for Sustainable Development of Enterprises in the Era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2023) | Viewed by 53583

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Sebastian Saniuk

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Guest Editor

Department of Engineering Management and Logistic Systems, Faculty of Economics and Management, University of Zielona Góra, 65-417 Zielona Góra, Poland
Interests: management science, production engineering, logistics, production management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Sandra Grabowska

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Guest Editor

Department of Production Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, Katowice, Poland
Interests: Business models; business processes; Industrie 4.0; management science; SMEs; Virtual collaboration networks

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We invite you to contribute to a Special Issue of Sustainability entitled: “Cooperative Challenges for Sustainable Development of Enterprises in the Era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution”

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is stimulating the advance of science and technology for cyber-physical system (CPS) development. New information and communication technologies (ICT) have changed the modus operandi, allowing enterprises to cross-organizational and territorial boundaries and realize network cooperation, increased agility, intelligence, and a higher level of sustainable development.

Technological change has gained strategic importance in the thinking and actions of many market players, while also permeating all links in the value chain and the way they are linked, changing the extent of competition and the way consumer needs are met. Strong competition and growing customer expectations in today's market have led to an increase in demand for personalized production, i.e., the production of products better suited to individual customer needs. At the same time, the price of the product should be similar to the price of products manufactured in series production.

Modern businesses, especially SMEs, need to look for new business models for networked forms of cooperation to achieve a high level of customization. This requires greater consumer involvement in the process of designing, manufacturing, and delivering a product to the market. In new forms of business relationships, with the involvement of intelligent digital content, Internet of things, and remote communication systems, the analysis of large data sets of business entities is creating new layouts for cooperation between the value chains of companies.

Such conditions of business operation force enterprises to invest in ICT technologies, intelligent machines, and devices and technologies that are closely related to the implementation of Industry 4.0. An important aspect of the development of the concept of Industry 4.0 and the cooperation of enterprises is the possibility of ensuring sustainable development through rational management of resources, better adjustment of production to the needs of the modern consumer, balanced economic development of regions, and care for environmental aspects.

With the development of Industry 4.0, new opportunities and threats for businesses are emerging, as well as social opportunities and threats. This increases the need to research the problems facing networked forms of cooperation between customer-oriented companies operating in the era of Industry 4.0, particularly concerning the following areas:

Knowledge management in sustainable business networks of enterprises;
Business models of cooperating enterprises;
Sustainable management in the Fourth Industrial Revolution;
Industrial and smart logistics in cooperative networks;
Intelligent manufacturing systems and applications for industry 4.0;
Sustainable production in smart factories;
Challenges for managers and engineers in the network organization of Industry 4.0;
Cyber Security technologies supporting networks cooperation;
Business platforms supporting the organization of SMEs networks for Industry 4.0.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sebastian Saniuk
Dr. Sandra Grabowska
Guest Editors

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Keywords

Industry 4.0
Network organization
Business models
Knowledge management
Industrial engineering
Customization of production
Sustainable development
Cyber Security technologies
Production management
Logistics 4.0

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Research

25 pages, 5071 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Economic, Ecological and Ethical Potential of Big Data Solutions for a Digital Utopia in Logistics

by Thomas Meier, Helena Makyšová and Alena Pauliková

Sustainability 2023, 15(6), 5088; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su15065088 - 13 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1420

Abstract

In the context of digital transformation and the use of big data technologies, this study shows the potential and possible applications associated with using big data, depending on the respective logistics area. The evaluation of this potential follows a logistical target system, which has been expanded to include ethical and sustainable aspects in line with the challenges of the 21st century. Furthermore, the status quo of the degree of digitization is determined, problems in understanding the terminology are shown, and cognitive and technical prerequisites and recommendations for action concerning the use of big data technologies (e.g., cobots) are derived. The survey methodology was based on a quantitative research method in the form of a survey. The article aims to provide the building blocks for a holistic approach (economic, ecological, and social) for politics and companies and to derive recommendations for action in logistics. The challenge is to find an alternative to conventional research, which examines big data almost exclusively for growth targets and optimization potential. Ecological and social goals should also be included here as an unchangeably fixed point and a normative limit as a value compass for business decisions. To close this research gap, it is necessary to evaluate the potential of logistics in connection with big data solutions to derive specific applications, their applications, and recommendations for action. This article presents an excerpt of the results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cooperative Challenges for Sustainable Development of Enterprises in the Era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution)

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19 pages, 1776 KiB

Open AccessArticle

ERP System Development for Business Agility in Industry 4.0—A Literature Review Based on the TOE Framework

by Patryk Morawiec and Anna Sołtysik-Piorunkiewicz

Sustainability 2023, 15(5), 4646; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su15054646 - 06 Mar 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3212

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how technological, organizational and environmental factors are affecting the use and development of ERP (enterprise resource planning) in the context of the Industry 4.0 (Fourth Industrial Revolution) concept. This article discusses the role of the ERP system in agile organization and the impact of Industry 4.0 factors on business agility with the use of the TOE (technology–organization–environment) framework. The research methods used in this study were based on a systematic literature review of the Scopus and Web of Science databases sources. Both academic and practical examples of the literature were examined. The presented outcomes of this study are a selection of Industry 4.0 technologies assigned to the TOE factors, the indication of the role of organizational agility in the enterprise and the potential technological support of Industry 4.0 indicators in achieving organizational agility. The research results might be interesting for both academic researchers and the practitioners, e.g., project managers involved in the implementation of Industry 4.0, such as top management planning to increase organizational agility in their organizations. However, there is an identified need for conducting additional studies on the influence of each identified factor on organizational agility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cooperative Challenges for Sustainable Development of Enterprises in the Era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution)

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15 pages, 3413 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimisation of the Logistics System in an Electric Motor Assembly Flowshop by Integrating the Taguchi Approach and Discrete Event Simulation

by Yongjian Jiang, Dongyun Wang, Wenjun Xia and Wencai Li

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 16770; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su142416770 - 14 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1465

Abstract

An electric motor assembly flowshop (EMAF) is a type of classical mixed-product assembly line that uses automatic guided vehicle (AGV) systems for material handling. To optimise the logistics system configuration and alleviate the impact of the AGV parameters on the efficiency of the EMAF, a modelling and optimisation method based on discrete event simulation (DES) combined with Taguchi orthogonal experimental design was proposed. A DES model of the entire production process for the EMAF was constructed using the Tecnomatix Plant Simulation software package. After optimisation of the principal layout in the DES model, the number of assembly stations was decreased from 13 to 9, and the balance ratio was increased from 65.08% to 84.65%. In addition, the combination of the Taguchi method with the DES model was further developed to achieve the optimal parameter combination of the AGVs in order to allow the AGVs to operate more efficiently under various states. The final overall theoretical throughput was increased from 134 to 295 units within the seven-hour observation period. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cooperative Challenges for Sustainable Development of Enterprises in the Era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution)

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26 pages, 3596 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determining the Level of Use of the Industry 4.0 Solutions in the COVID-19 Pandemic Era: Results of Empirical Research

by Anna Michna and Joanna Kruszewska

Sustainability 2022, 14(14), 8844; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14148844 - 19 Jul 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1258

Abstract

Changes in the world’s situation and the need to be competitive and less dependent on the global economy lead to improvements in many organisations. Together with business model transformation, using the latest technologies such as augmented reality, autonomous robots, mobile technologies, big data, cloud computing, and others known as an Industry 4.0 pillars, enterprises are changing the industry status quo. These technologies are widely described and studied in the literature, mainly on the example of large production companies. In order to fill the gap, this article had two objectives. The first objective was to investigate the usage of Industry 4.0 technologies in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. The second one was to verify the strength of the impact of selected barriers on the level of implementation of individual I4.0 technologies and influence of cooperation during technology implementation. To achieve the objectives of the article, quantitative research was conducted. Data from 125 anonymous survey participants were collected in October 2021 and analysed using a statistical tool. The study results revealed that the term Industry 4.0 is known among industry employees. Surveyed organisations are using I4.0 technologies and still planning to implement them in a wider range despite the pandemic situation. Moreover, the most often-cited barriers in the literature on the subject are costs or employees’ acceptations, too-individualised customer requirements, or insufficient standardisation, which affect the implementation of Industry 4.0 solutions with strengths varying from low to moderate intensity. The information in this paper may be of use to Industry 4.0 solution providers or collaborative and partnership organisations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cooperative Challenges for Sustainable Development of Enterprises in the Era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution)

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20 pages, 3358 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stakeholder Capitalism, the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), and Sustainable Development: Issues to Be Resolved

by David Mhlanga

Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 3902; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14073902 - 25 Mar 2022

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 6932

Abstract

Stakeholder capitalism is gaining traction among academics and management practitioners in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The World Economic Forum (WEF) embraced stakeholder capitalism as the key principle guiding the summit’s subject and the organizations’ focus at its 50th annual meeting in Davos 2020. In addition, the Business Roundtable issued a new declaration that articulates the corporation’s new purpose, which was endorsed by 181 chief executive officers (CEOs), who pledged to lead their companies for the benefit of all stakeholders. In this context, the study analyzed and reviewed the stakeholder capitalism theory to better understand the challenges that will need to be addressed if it is embraced as a philosophy to guide corporate management in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The study, using the document analysis technique, concludes that embracing stakeholder capitalism can lead to the achievement of sustainable development and the various sustainable development goals. However, it was revealed that there are still several challenges that are linked to the ideas of stakeholder capitalism that need to be addressed before it can become a core ideology for corporate management. For instance, the issues around: stakeholder capitalism and positive contributions; the fact that meeting stakeholder expectations may not guarantee long-term viability; the challenge of balancing the needs of companies and stakeholders; the definition of a “stakeholder”, which is not clear in theory; the purpose and character of the company and the duties of managers, which are also unclear; and there is a lack of a theoretical base to describe the company’s behavior, among the other issues that were raised. As a result, when embracing stakeholder capitalism as a major element that will deliver healthy capitalism and sustainable development, it is critical to understand these significant flaws. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cooperative Challenges for Sustainable Development of Enterprises in the Era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution)

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21 pages, 7732 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Redesigning the Production Process Using Simulation for Sustainable Development of the Enterprise

by Marek Ondov, Andrea Rosova, Marian Sofranko, Jan Feher, Jozef Cambal and Erika Feckova Skrabulakova

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1514; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14031514 - 28 Jan 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2372

Abstract

In this case study, the medium-sized enterprise is looking for ways to achieve sustainable development. Following the Industry 4.0 trend could get the enterprise closer. The rate of information technology usage is very low in the enterprise. The enterprise’s problem is the long production of orders. The orders had to be rejected many times because the customer’s time limit could not be met. The major cause seems to be two environmentally insufficient and obsolete machines in the blast cleaning operation. These machines are replaced in the production by one new wheel blast machine. However, the production process must be redesigned and the layout changed to use this machine effectively. This redesign is difficult to verify and evaluate in the pilot plant experiment. Simulation is the most suitable tool to do it quickly and relatively easily. The ExtendSim simulation program creates a real production process model and then applies the redesign of this process in the model. The model must be thoroughly verified concerning the real production process to not distort the results. The result of the redesign of the production process is the reduction of the production duration by almost 50% and elimination of two environmentally insufficient and obsolete machines. Improved machine blast cleaning has also significantly reduced the utilization of blast cleaning. Spared capacities can be used for pre-production or otherwise for the profit-making of the enterprise. However, a new bottleneck appeared elsewhere in the production process by removing the previous one. The innovation passed through barriers, and Slovak small and medium enterprises started building sustainable development. The enterprise still must focus on further innovation, and more investment will be needed to achieve the final sustainable development goal. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cooperative Challenges for Sustainable Development of Enterprises in the Era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution)

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20 pages, 1159 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Social and Economic Expectations: Contextual Reasons for the Transformation Process of Industry 4.0 into the Industry 5.0 Concept

by Sebastian Saniuk, Sandra Grabowska and Martin Straka

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1391; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14031391 - 26 Jan 2022

Cited by 83 | Viewed by 6341

Abstract

The dynamic development of the fourth industrial revolution, focused on the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies, sparked fears of governments and society regarding the dehumanization of the industry in the future. Currently, there is a need to consider sustainable development and the crucial role of man in the assumptions of industry’s future development. Concerns about the implementation of the fourth industrial revolution’s technology became the basis for building the assumptions of Industry 5.0. The article aims to identify the social and economic expectations of the development of the fourth industrial revolution in the context of the development of the sustainability, humanization, and resilience of Industry 4.0. The article presents the results of research obtained based on a critical analysis of the literature and surveys conducted among representatives of Polish society. As a result of the research, key social expectations as to the directions of development of the Industry 4.0 concept were identified. Recommendations for industry development focused on three areas of development—human-centric, sustainable, and resilient—were established. The presented research results will allow the development of an investment strategy and a government policy to support the development of industry based on the human-centric digitization of the economy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cooperative Challenges for Sustainable Development of Enterprises in the Era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution)

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16 pages, 43151 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Model for Optimizing the Ratios of the Company Suppliers in Slovak Automotive Industry

by Jaroslava Kádárová, Peter Trebuňa and Laura Lachvajderová

Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11597; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su132111597 - 20 Oct 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2183

Abstract

The Slovak automotive industry consists of various companies and suppliers, with different positions in the supply chain for automotive manufacturers. The accuracy of component deliveries and their quality affect the ultimate competitiveness of the entire automotive industry. The creation of strategic partnerships and stable supplier–customer relationships is currently a necessity. The aim of the article is to design the model for optimizing the ratio of the company suppliers in the Slovak automotive industry. The basis for designing the model was the results of our own research focused on the quality and timeliness of component deliveries from various suppliers. Supply chain members work with multiple subcontractors, using multiple subcontractors to supply the same components. We analyzed the overall quality of delivered components at a certain stage of the supply chain. The quality of the supplied components was the sum of all items from all suppliers. The aim of the proposed model is to determine the optimal percentage of individual suppliers of a particular part so as to minimize the overall risk associated with the supply and inventory of a particular part for the customer. Research methodology was focused on identification of the key performance indicators and key risk indicators of components deliveries by different suppliers. Those indicators provide a basis for the effective results of further research. We designed and used an algorithm for preparing and evaluating the model for optimizing the ratio of the company suppliers in the Slovak automotive industry. This research used modeling methods, simulations, and optimization models. The proposed model was verified in the specific conditions of the automotive supply chain. Deliveries from two subcontractors were simulated. Based on the results of the simulations, the optimal supply ratio of the two subcontractors was determined for a specific component of a member of the supply chain at a higher level. The results of the research can be useful for different suppliers in the Slovak automotive industry. By partially modifying the model and adapting it for different conditions in other industries, the model of optimizing the distribution of supply from individual suppliers can be used for other supply chains. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cooperative Challenges for Sustainable Development of Enterprises in the Era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution)

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16 pages, 7270 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of TestBed 4.0 Technology within the Implementation of Industry 4.0 in Teaching Methods of Industrial Engineering as Well as Industrial Practice

by Marek Kliment, Miriam Pekarcikova, Peter Trebuna and Martin Trebuna

Sustainability 2021, 13(16), 8963; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13168963 - 10 Aug 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2421

Abstract

The paper is focused on the area of the constantly evolving industrial revolution both at the level of individual local economic opportunities and on a global scale. One of the tools of this time called Industry 4.0 is the TestBed 4.0 technology, which helps in its development and opens up opportunities for its use both in research and in practice in manufacturing companies. The paper describes the possibilities and capabilities of the laboratory, which was established as the first of its kind in the Slovak Republic on the campus of the Technical University in Košice in order to combine research activities with practical use directly in the production business processes. Its role is also to involve students in these processes, who, based on the acquired knowledge and experience, will strengthen their position in the labour market after completing their studies. The paper includes a description of available technologies, as well as several case studies carried out at the workplace where this laboratory is located, mainly in the field of industrial and digital engineering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cooperative Challenges for Sustainable Development of Enterprises in the Era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution)

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21 pages, 10291 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Solution of Bottlenecks in the Logistics Flow by Applying the Kanban Module in the Tecnomatix Plant Simulation Software

by Miriam Pekarcikova, Peter Trebuna, Marek Kliment and Michal Dic

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7989; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13147989 - 17 Jul 2021

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 6835

Abstract

The presented article deals with the issue of solving bottlenecks in the logistics flow of a manufacturing company. The Tx Plant Simulation software tool is used to detect bottlenecks and deficiencies in the company’s production, logistics and transportation systems. Together with the use of simulation methods and lean manufacturing tools, losses in business processes are eliminated and consequently flow throughput is improved. In the TX Plant Simulation software environment, using Bottleneck analyzer, bottlenecks were defined on the created simulation model and a method of optimizing logistics flows was designed and tested by introducing the Kanban pull system. This resulted in an improvement and throughput of the entire logistics flow, a reduction in inter-operational stocks and an increase in the efficiency of the production system as a whole. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cooperative Challenges for Sustainable Development of Enterprises in the Era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution)

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38 pages, 1774 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diagnosis of the Maturity Level of Implementing Industry 4.0 Solutions in Selected Functional Areas of Management of Automotive Companies in Poland

by Ewa Stawiarska, Danuta Szwajca, Mirosław Matusek and Radosław Wolniak

Sustainability 2021, 13(9), 4867; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13094867 - 26 Apr 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4628

Abstract

The automotive sector is one of the key branches of the global economy. The automotive industry is also a very important sector of the Polish economy, as it generates over 8% of GDP and accounts for over 20% of the annual export value. Industry 4.0 and the effective use of modern technologies give a chance for its further dynamic development. The implementation of Industry 4.0 solutions in the business processes of automotive companies should not only take place in the area of production or logistics, as it is usually indicated, but also in their other functional areas, such as quality management, human resources management, and innovation management. The purpose of the article is to diagnose the level of maturity in the implementation of Industry 4.0 solutions in selected management areas of automotive companies operating in Poland. Using a maturity assessment tool, the authors assessed the level of maturity in six selected functional areas of an enterprise, such as production and logistics management, quality management, human resources management, social and environmental responsibility, and product innovation management. The authors also formulated conclusions and recommendations concerning actions that should be taken by automotive companies in order to achieve higher maturity levels in the implementation of Industry 4.0 solutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cooperative Challenges for Sustainable Development of Enterprises in the Era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution)

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15 pages, 3663 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation Modeling of the Sustainable Supply Chain

by Patrycja Hoffa-Dabrowska and Katarzyna Grzybowska

Sustainability 2020, 12(15), 6007; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12156007 - 27 Jul 2020

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4250

Abstract

The development of the global economy affects the environment in which we are living, often in negative ways, including pollutions, exhaust emissions, depletion of natural resources, and other concerns. Therefore, it is so important to use resources in a reasonable, sustainable manner and to be aware of the impact of our activities on the environment, which in the next stage translates into trying to limit negative impacts to the environment. Aspects of sustainable supply chain (SSC) have become more and more popular in the last years. Entrepreneurs pay more attention to the aspect of sustainable development in their activities, especially to exhaust emissions. The rational use of resources is also a very important topic. Not only economic aspects but also environmental and social topics are taken into account in company politics, which is characteristic of sustainable development. The main purpose of this article is to show the benefits of SSC. For this purpose, the simulation models showing the supply chain and the sustainable supply chain will be built. The benefits of SSC in economic and environmental aspects will be presented using a computer simulation tool. Using a simulation tool fits in with sustainability; thanks to modeling supply chains in their virtuality and analysis, many resources can be saved in reality (for example, thanks to the consolidation of freight). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cooperative Challenges for Sustainable Development of Enterprises in the Era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution)

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21 pages, 4233 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Practical Application of the Industry 4.0 Concept in a Steel Company

by Radosław Miśkiewicz and Radosław Wolniak

Sustainability 2020, 12(14), 5776; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12145776 - 17 Jul 2020

Cited by 95 | Viewed by 7900

Abstract

The primary aim of this paper was to present and analyze practical solutions of Industry 4.0 as applied in the Re Alloys company. The research question was whether the implementation of the digitization process based on Industry 4.0 resulted in changes to the organizational structure of the company and whether this brought about an improvement in the energy and material efficiency of the company. The research method used in the paper was the case study method. In view of the project’s results, we concluded that implementation of the new solution based on digitalization caused increased energy and material efficiency, often forced by external factors stemming from the operation of competitive markets. Technological changes also require the application of IT technologies and communication systems in managing production. Access to this information is also a chance to gain a competitive advantage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cooperative Challenges for Sustainable Development of Enterprises in the Era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution)

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