![]() ![]() A production, based on the principle of Industry 4.0, creates the conditions to replace traditional structures, which are based on centralized decision-making mechanisms and rigid limits of individual value-added steps. Mass customization means the production of products customized by the customer, at production costs similar to those of mass-produced products. Industry 4.0 aims to implement highly efficient and automated manufacturing processes, usually known from mass production, also in an industrial environment, where individual and customer-specific products are fabricated according to mass customization strategies (Modrak et al. ![]() Therefore, to remain competitive, the ability to respond to customer requirements quickly and flexibly and to produce high version numbers at low batch sizes, must increase (Spath et al. In addition, the return to uniqueness should be achieved by the fourth revolution (Hartbrich 2014). More functionalities and customization options are gained for the client and more flexibility, transparency, and globalization for the supply chain (Baum 2013). In the whole production life cycle, the data exchange should be improved leading to advantages for all involved parties. The development of Industry 4.0 should provide a contribution to tackle global challenges, like sustainability, resource and energy efficiency and strengthen competitiveness (Kagermann et al. The fourth industrial revolution should extend to the whole production and supply chain of components, and not only, as in past revolutions, to the mechanical manufacturing process of products and the associated process organization. The industry needs to introduce new types of innovative and “digital” production strategies to maintain the current competitive advantage in the long term (Manhart 2013). It is no longer enough to produce faster, cheaper, and with higher quality than the competitors, defending the achieved competitive advantage. In recent years, the global economy has become a strong competitor for industry in Europe. Thus, newest information and communication technologies are combined in Industry 4.0 with traditional industrial processes (BMBF 2012). The focus of Industry 4.0 is to combine production, information technology and the internet. At the Hanover Fair 2011 for the first time, a synonym for such a new industrial revolution was mentioned, “Industry 4.0”. In recent years, the industrial environment has been changing radically due to the introduction of concepts and technologies based on the fourth industrial revolution (Sendler 2013). ![]()
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