News from the Chair of Factory Planning and Intralogistics

“International Journal of Production Research" selects paper on the use of simulation for resilience assessment as "Top Trending Article 2024" - Article shows how resilience can be captured with computer simulation to prepare for dealing with unforeseeable events Press release

As we look back on 2024, our article "Beyond Industry 4.0 - integrating Lean, digital technologies and people" was highlighted as one of the three most cited papers in the International Journal of Operations & Production Management - and essential reading for anyone in the field. The study brings a new theoretical perspective to the integration of Lean with Industry 4.0-related digital technologies. The results go beyond the usual view of improving operational performance and dig into the effects on workers. It also shows that the integration process relies on and can enhance human capabilities such as learning and problem-solving.

As part of the lecture „Simulation of Production and Logistics Systems“ we organized a guest lecture by Prof. Sławomir Kłos from the University of Zielona Góra. He gave an insight into the use of simulation tools as a research methodology. Together with the students, there was first a short theoretical excursus on possible questions and the methodological approach. We then discussed influencing parameters and their effects in a live demonstration using an example.

How Lean 4.0 and Operator 4.0 combine to create Industry 5.0 is a challenging question for many companies. Dr. Tuan-anh Tran from the University of Pannonia in Hungary discussed this question providing many practical examples on how sensor technology, algorithms and smart applications can enhance worker capabilities. During his visit in January 2025, we had also the opportunity to present our Experimental and Digital Factory. This triggered many interesting discussions and future cooperation possibilities with the learning factory at Dr Tran’s home institution.

We have found the ideal after-work sport for relaxing and socializing. At our chair's Christmas bowling event, the focus was not on strikes, spares and frames, but simply on having a good time with colleagues. Some had a flow, others more miss and some had sore muscles during the game - but all of us had a lot of fun together. The evening meal was followed by a few rounds of Junk Secret Santa. This time scented gifts were particularly popular. Summed up, our 1st Christmas bowling was a well-rounded affair.