Unified Smart Factory Model: A model-based Approach for Integrating Industry 4.0 and Sustainability for Manufacturing Systems

2025-12-11

AI Summary

To address the challenge of quantifying and implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the factory level, this paper proposes the Unified Smart Factory Model (USFM), the first framework to deeply integrate Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) with sustainable manufacturing. Grounded in the Object-Process Methodology (OPM), USFM establishes a systematic mapping framework linking manufacturing activities, data flows, and Key Performance Indicator (KPI) evaluation—enabling precise, traceable translation of high-level SDGs into measurable factory-level metrics (e.g., energy consumption, carbon footprint). Its key innovation lies in the unified modeling of manufacturing processes, data processing logic, and KPI selection mechanisms, substantially reducing information redundancy and measurement bias. Empirical validation in a PCB assembly facility demonstrates improved mapping accuracy among KPIs, underlying data, and production processes, thereby enhancing the feasibility and credibility of sustainability implementation for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Technology Category

• Data Mining & Knowledge Management: Linked Open Data, Knowledge Graphs & KB Completion
• Constraint Satisfaction and Optimization: Satisfiability Modulo Theories
• Search and Optimization: Mixed Discrete/Continuous Search

Application Category

• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Sustainability and carbon-aware systems for Web, mobile, and WoT
• Search and Retrieval-Augmented AI: Web evaluation methodologies and metrics
• Semantics and Knowledge: Methods to enhance, augment, integrate or synergize semantic models such as knowledge graphs and LLMs

Abstract

This paper presents the Unified Smart Factory Model (USFM), a comprehensive framework designed to translate high-level sustainability goals into measurable factory-level indicators with a systematic information map of manufacturing activities. The manufacturing activities were modelled as set of manufacturing, assembly and auxiliary processes using Object Process Methodology, a Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) language. USFM integrates Manufacturing Process and System, Data Process, and Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Selection and Assessment in a single framework. Through a detailed case study of Printed Circuit Board (PCB) assembly factory, the paper demonstrates how environmental sustainability KPIs can be selected, modelled, and mapped to the necessary data, highlighting energy consumption and environmental impact metrics. The model's systematic approach can reduce redundancy, minimize the risk of missing critical information, and enhance data collection. The paper concluded that the USFM bridges the gap between sustainability goals and practical implementation, providing significant benefits for industries specifically SMEs aiming to achieve sustainability targets.

Problem

• Integrates Industry 4.0 and sustainability into manufacturing systems
• Translates sustainability goals into measurable factory-level indicators
• Bridges the gap between sustainability goals and practical implementation

Innovation

• Model-based framework integrating sustainability and Industry 4.0
• Uses Object Process Methodology for manufacturing activity modeling
• Maps sustainability KPIs to data via systematic information mapping