Concept of the Factories of the Future in Slovak Industrial Companies

Abstract

Industry 4.0 brings to factories the ability to increase their competitiveness through implementation of the concept Factories of the Future. This concept is built on pillars such as advanced manufacturing processes, mechatronics, ICT, simulation and forecasting, in addition to key factors like quality and dynamic manufacturing strategies, and available markets with knowledge workers. For many factories it is complicated to approach the implementation of the concept without a detailed determination of the ability to apply the concept in company-specific conditions. Submitted article focuses on verification of innovative methodology to determine the company’s ability to implement the concept Factories of the Future. The methodology integrates basic manufacturing processes and key technological pillars.