Fulfilling a smart scheduling system prototype based on an industry 4.0 framework: a case study

This study proposes an Industry 4.0-based smart scheduling system prototype comprising four levels. The physical connection layer, the first level, utilizes sensors installed on equipment to collect data. The second level, the information conversion layer, retrieves device data and converts them into the corresponding database storage format. The third level is the information application layer, which stores and uses meaningful information, laying the foundation in constructing a smart system. The fourth level, the terminal decision-making layer, monitors the overall factory operations. To verify the feasibility of our proposed smart factory model, we select the packaging process of a semiconductor packaging company as an example. The verification procedure includes establishing a test database, generating the best production plan (a smart production plan), simulating factory production through a virtual – physical integration system, and generating the information required for the case company’s war room. The results indicate that the proposed model can enhance the case company’s decision-making capability in smart production scheduling and performance monitoring.