This open access book explores the concept of Industry 4.0, which presents a considerable challenge for the production and service sectors. While digitization initiatives are usually integrated into the central corporate strategy of larger companies, smaller firms often have problems putting Industry 4.0 paradigms into practice. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) possess neither the human nor financial resources to systematically investigate the potential and risks of introducing Industry 4.0. Addressing this obstacle, the international team of authors focuses on the development of smart manufacturing concepts, logistics solutions and managerial models specifically for SMEs. Aiming to provide methodological frameworks and pilot solutions for SMEs during their digital transformation, this innovative and timely book will be of great use to scholars researching technology management, digitization and small business, as well as practitioners within manufacturing companies.

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This open access book explores the concept of Industry 4.0, which presents a considerable challenge for the production and service sectors. While digitization initiatives are usually integrated into the central corporate strategy of larger companies, smaller firms often have problems putting Industry 4.0 paradigms into practice. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) possess neither the human nor financial resources to systematically investigate the potential and risks of introducing Industry 4.0. Addressing this obstacle, the international team of authors focuses on the development of smart manufacturing concepts, logistics solutions and managerial models specifically for SMEs. Aiming to provide methodological frameworks and pilot solutions for SMEs during their digital transformation, this innovative and timely book will be of great use to scholars researching technology management, digitization and small business, as well as practitioners within manufacturing companies.

Part I Introduction to Industry 4.0 for SMEs 1. SME 4.0: The Role of Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the Digital Transformation Part II Industry 4.0 Concepts for Smart Manufacturing in SMEs 2. SME Requirements and Guidelines for the Design of Smart and Highly Adaptable Manufacturing Systems 3. Implementation of Industrial Internet of Things and Cyber-Physical Systems in SMEs for Distributed and Service-Oriented Control 4 The Opportunities and Challenges of SME Manufacturing Automation: Safety and Ergonomics in Human–Robot Collaboration Part III Industry 4.0 Concepts for Smart Logistics in SMEs 5 Requirement Analysis for the Design of Smart Logistics in SMEs 6 Consistent Identification and Traceability of Objects as an Enabler for Automation in the Steel Processing Industry 7 State-of-the-Art Analysis of the Usage and Potential of Automation in Logistics Part IV Industry 4.0 Managerial, Organizational and Implementation Issues 8 Development of an Organizational Maturity Model in Terms of Mass Customization 9 Implementing Industry 4.0 in SMEs: A Focus Group Study on Organizational Requirements 10 Smart SME 4.0 Implementation Toolkit Part V Case Studies and Methodical Tools for Implementing Industry 4.0 in SMEs 11 The Digitization of Quality Control Operations with Cloud Platform Computing Technologies 12 Implementation of a Laboratory Case Study for Intuitive Collaboration Between Man and Machine in SME Assembly 13 Axiomatic Design for Products, Processes, and Systems Index