Process analysis of a teaching and learning factory environment to demonstrate Industry 4.0 solutions by using the Smart Logistics Zone approach

This paper deals with the topic of the digital factory and, in particular, the consideration of the logistical processes that take place in a highly automated factory. The paper focuses on an analysis of the Fischertechnik® Training Factory Industry 4.0 model, which is used as a teaching and learning environment at the Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences. The objective is to record the processes taking place in the model factory and to evaluate them with regard to their level of digitalization. For this purpose, the so-called Smart Logistics Zone (SLZ) approach [1] is used to apply a structured procedure that divides the overall process of the model factory into two main processes (incoming goods process and customer order process/manufacturing process) and to identify and evaluate targeted improvement measures. Furthermore, the paper applies a value stream mapping method as well as the maturity model according to Appenfeller/Feldmann [2] and in the outlook considers an extension of the SLZ approach by a VSM 4.0.