Blockchain-based shop floor control system for small and medium-sized enterprise evolution to industry 4.0

Area of Science:

• Industrial Engineering
• Information Systems
• Supply Chain Management

Background:

• Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face challenges in adopting Industry 4.0 technologies.
• Agile and robust strategies are crucial for SMEs to navigate Industry 4.0 evolution.
• Existing frameworks may lack the adaptability required for dynamic manufacturing environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a Blockchain-based Shop Floor Control System (BSFCS) for SMEs transitioning to Industry 4.0.
• To introduce a Consensus-based Workflow Change Integration (CWCI) mechanism for agile workflow adjustments.
• To present a Smart Contract Service (SCS) design methodology for efficient transaction management.

Main Methods:

• Development of a Blockchain-based Shop Floor Control System (BSFCS).
• Integration of a Consensus-based Workflow Change Integration (CWCI) mechanism.
• Implementation of a modular Smart Contract Service (SCS) design.
• Prototyping and testing on a realistic industrial platform.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated significant performance improvements over standard models in validation experiments.
• Achieved dynamic workflow adaptability and enhanced operational transparency.
• Showcased efficient handling of real-time changes and minimal disruption during upgrades.

Conclusions:

• The proposed BSFCS provides a reliable pathway for SMEs to implement Industry 4.0.
• BSFCS offers superior adaptability and scalability compared to existing frameworks.
• The system excels in managing dynamic workflow changes and sequential upgrades for SMEs.