Factory technologies of the future – automation and digitalization of production in the aspect of Industry 4.0 concept

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to present the reader the concept of Industry 4.0 as a modern idea introducing the company into a new era of computerization and robotics. This concept applies to different areas of the organization as a whole, supported by intelligent systems facilitating decision making and automation that improves productivity and quality of work. The idea of Industry 4.0 is an emerging concept, which is why there are many concerns about whether it is an opportunity for businesses or maybe it is rather a threat. The following paper presents the assumptions of the Industry 4.0 concept, and the results of a questionnaire regarding the state of awareness and preparation of the enterprise for the implementation of the Industry 4.0 concept were developed. The purpose of the survey was to recognize the approach to the new concept in enterprises located in Wielkopolska. The survey indicated the size of companies participating in the survey and the type of industry to which they belong. Next, according to these companies, the factors that influence the development of innovations and the ways of their implementation in enterprises were presented. It is also very important to identify barriers to growth in the company. Based on the results of the survey, it can be stated that the motivating factor for actions towards development are above all customer expectations. However, the most important resource in which enterprises want to invest are people whose knowledge and experience is irreplaceable.