Towards Sustainable Manufacturing: A Maturity Assessment for Urban Smart Factory

Abstract

The manufacturing industry is currently confronted with global challenges such as customization demands, climate change, and energy scarcity. To address these challenges and improve efficiency, the industry is exploring the integration of Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing. One promising approach for incorporating smart factory technology into urban manufacturing is the Urban Smart Factory (USF), which aims to create a sustainable, resilient, and human-centric environment. However, existing Industry 4.0 maturity models are insufficient for evaluating the diverse aspects of the USF. To bridge this gap, this study proposes a novel maturity model specifically designed to assess the integration of smart manufacturing principles and technologies within the USF, with a focus on achieving sustainability, resilience, and human-centricity. The practicality of this model is demonstrated through two case studies from different sectors, showcasing its applicability for evaluating the readiness of manufacturing firms to adopt the USF. Additionally, this research presents potential directions for future academic investigations interested in this topic.