The modern manufacturing industry faces a multitude of challenges that require a paradigm shift from traditional production systems to intelligent, networked factorie, so-called smart factories. Increasing resource scarcity, rising and rapidly changing customer requirements, the trend toward product customization, and the need to increase efficiency and flexibility are just some of the factors driving this change. ​

A smart factory is characterized by the end-to-end digitalization of all processes and systems, as well as the real-time networking of machines, products, and people. This involves the use of sensors and IoT technologies that enable seamless communication and data collection. The collected data is used for process optimization, for example, by means of big data analytics. Predictive maintenance helps to avoid downtime, while AI-supported decision support increases the efficiency and flexibility of production processes. Adaptive production lines dynamically adjust to changing requirements, and autonomous internal logistics systems ensure a smooth flow of materials. 

The course aims to teach methods and tools for planning, controlling, and operating a smart factory. This lecture focuses in particular on how Industry 4.0 and digital solutions can be used in synergy with lean management methods to make the planning and operation of factories more efficient, simpler, and more sustainable.

Each theoretical module is supplemented by accompanying exercises and a corresponding workshop in the learning factory, where the content is reinforced in a practical manner.

Key topics covered in the lecture:

• Introduction to production, production planning, and production control
• Fundamentals and methods of lean management
• Technological fundamentals of Industry 4.0 and smart factories
• Digital modeling of production systems
• Digital twins
• Digital methods of factory planning and control.

Learning Outcomes:

The students...

• are familiar with the opportunities and challenges associated with the paradigm shift from traditional production systems to smart factories.
• are able to analyze and evaluate the methods, procedures and techniques of production planning and can reflect on the content and challenges presented as well as areas of action in practice.
• are familiar with the characteristics and functioning of smart production systems and can explain the changed requirements for planning and operating these smart production systems.​
• can apply the methods and tools of production planning for smart production systems to new problems in a practical manner.​
• can apply their knowledge in a targeted manner for the efficient planning and control of ​smart production systems.

Workload:

regular attendance: 32 hours
self-study: 88 hours

Medien:
Skript zur Veranstaltung wird über (https://ilias.studium.kit.edu/) bereitgestellt.

Media:
Lecture notes will be provided in Ilias (https://ilias.studium.kit.edu/).

Vorlesungs- und Überungstermine mittwochs 14:00 Uhr.
Die konkreten Termine für die Veranstaltungen der Lernfabrik werden im Rahmen der ersten Vorlesung sowie über die Website des wbk bekannt gegeben.
Bekanntgabe der konkreten Übungstermine erfolgt in der ersten Vorlesung.

Lectures and tutorials on Wednesdays at 2 p.m.
The specific dates for the learning factory events will be announced in the first lecture and on the wbk website.
The tutorial dates will be announced in the first lecture.