John Oyekan, Axel Fischer, Windo Hutabarat, Christopher Turner and Ashutosh Tiwari
The purpose of this paper is to explore the role that computer vision can play within new industrial paradigms such as Industry 4.0 and in particular to support production line…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the role that computer vision can play within new industrial paradigms such as Industry 4.0 and in particular to support production line improvements to achieve flexible manufacturing. As Industry 4.0 requires “big data”, it is accepted that computer vision could be one of the tools for its capture and efficient analysis. RGB-D data gathered from real-time machine vision systems such as Kinect ® can be processed using computer vision techniques.
Design/methodology/approach
This research exploits RGB-D cameras such as Kinect® to investigate the feasibility of using computer vision techniques to track the progress of a manual assembly task on a production line. Several techniques to track the progress of a manual assembly task are presented. The use of CAD model files to track the manufacturing tasks is also outlined.
Findings
This research has found that RGB-D cameras can be suitable for object recognition within an industrial environment if a number of constraints are considered or different devices/techniques combined. Furthermore, through the use of a HMM inspired state-based workflow, the algorithm presented in this paper is computationally tractable.
Originality/value
Processing of data from robust and cheap real-time machine vision systems could bring increased understanding of production line features. In addition, new techniques that enable the progress tracking of manual assembly sequences may be defined through the further analysis of such visual data. The approaches explored within this paper make a contribution to the utilisation of visual information “big data” sets for more efficient and automated production.
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Adefemi Aka, Abubakar Danladi Isah, Chukwudum J. Eze and Owolabi Timileyin
Non-value adding activities or wastes in the lean term have been the major challenge of the construction industry. Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate how such…
Abstract
Purpose
Non-value adding activities or wastes in the lean term have been the major challenge of the construction industry. Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate how such wastes can be reduced so as to improve the performance of the construction industry. However, the aspect of bricks production process (BPP) has not been extensively covered. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the application of lean manufacturing concepts in BPP with a view to identifying the various wastes in the practice, the causes of these wastes and how such wastes can be reduced.
Design/methodology/approach
Mixed methods research design was adopted by the researchers where literature review was first conducted to establish the fundamental theories and practice standards of lean manufacturing process. Thereafter, a phenomenological study was carried out in a Shelter Clay and Brick Factory located in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria. The data obtained in the phenomenological study were analyzed through content analysis. These data served as the basis for the validation survey that subsequently followed the phenomenological study.
Findings
The findings in the study show that poor or inadequate supervision is the main factor responsible for wastes such as excessive drying of bricks, overheating of bricks and re-glazing of bricks in Nigerian BPP.
Research limitations/implications
The study focused on the various wastes in Nigerian BPP. It also focused on the various lean tools/techniques that can be adopted to reduce the wastes. Aspects such as the percentage of the wastes and their cost implication on the factory were not covered during the study and could be further investigated by prospective researchers.
Practical implications
The study provides knowledge on how lean thinking can be adopted to reduce wastes in BPP. Such knowledge may be beneficial to the present and prospective bricks producers. This implies that the proposed framework in the study allows producers of bricks to identify gaps in their implementation efforts, focus attention on areas that may require improvements, and access the benefits of lean approach in their factory products. The proposed framework may also be beneficial to the academics.
Originality/value
This paper first gain originality in the study context to propose for a lean framework that can be adopted to reduce wastes in BPP. Furthermore, the paper has not been previously published and all the information obtained from other sources are duly referenced.
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Abdullah Owaimer Alsehaimi and Muizz O. Sanni-Anibire
The construction industry is witnessing a paradigm shift as a consequence of the fourth industrial revolution (IR 4.0). The implementation of IR4.0 technologies is, however…
Abstract
Purpose
The construction industry is witnessing a paradigm shift as a consequence of the fourth industrial revolution (IR 4.0). The implementation of IR4.0 technologies is, however, elementary in emerging economies such as Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to carry out an examination of benefits, challenges and critical success factors for IR4.0 implementation in the construction industry in Saudi Arabia.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology entailed a thorough review of the extant literature and consultation with experienced construction professionals in Saudi Arabia through questionnaire surveys. The data collected was further analyzed using the relative importance index approach and the confirmatory factor analysis.
Findings
The most important benefits, challenges and critical success factors established by this study include “Improved Communication and Coordination,” “Cost of implementation (initial investment and maintenance)” and “Clear goals and objectives,” respectively. Confirmatory factor analysis established a theoretical model to serve as a foundation for IR4.0 adoption in the Saudi construction industry.
Research limitations/implications
The limitations may be perceived in terms of the local context of the research, as well as the sample size. This prevents the potential for generalization of the study’s results.
Practical implications
It is of practical value to the Saudi construction industry in facilitating the successful implementation of technology through policies, frameworks and best practice guidance.
Originality/value
The study advances the theoretical knowledge of technology implementation in the construction industry. Emerging economies such as Saudi Arabia seeking to leverage the capabilities of digital technologies will find the results of this to be of crucial value.
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Ibrahim Yitmen, Amjad Almusaed and Sepehr Alizadehsalehi
The concept of Construction 5.0 has emerged as the next frontier in construction practices and is characterized by the integration of advanced technologies with human-centered…
Abstract
Purpose
The concept of Construction 5.0 has emerged as the next frontier in construction practices and is characterized by the integration of advanced technologies with human-centered approaches, sustainable practices and resilience considerations to build smart and future-ready buildings. However, there is currently a gap in research that provides a comprehensive perspective on the opportunities and challenges of facilitating Construction 5.0. This study aims to explore the opportunities and challenges in facilitating Construction 5.0 and its potential to implement smart, sustainable and resilient buildings.
Design/methodology/approach
The structural equation modeling (SEM) method was used to evaluate the research model and investigate the opportunities and challenges related to Construction 5.0 in its implementation for smart, sustainable and resilient buildings.
Findings
The results show that adopting human-centric technology, sustaining resilience and maintaining sustainability in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry seizes the opportunities to overcome the challenges for facilitating Construction 5.0 in the implementation of smart, sustainable and resilient buildings.
Practical implications
The AEC industry facilitating Construction 5.0 has the potential to redefine the future of construction, creating a built environment that is not only intelligent, sustainable and resilient but also deeply connected with the well-being and values of the communities it serves.
Originality/value
The research illuminates the path forward for a holistic understanding of Construction 5.0, envisioning a future where smart, sustainable and resilient buildings stand as testaments to the harmonious collaboration between humans and technology.
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Kabir Ibrahim, Christopher Amoah, Fredrick Simpeh and Justice William
The use of technology has increased in the industrial sector over the years. This has propelled the construction industry to follow suit by enhancing construction technology to…
Abstract
Purpose
The use of technology has increased in the industrial sector over the years. This has propelled the construction industry to follow suit by enhancing construction technology to experience the associated benefits. However, technology adoption in the construction environment has not been smoothly implemented. This article aimed to determine the obstacles to adopting sensing technology in managing construction projects in three major sub-Saharan African nations.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted a quantitative approach using structured questionnaires. The questionnaire link was sent to construction professionals in Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa, of which 120 were responded. Data received were analysed using the Statistical Package for Special Science (SPSS) to generate mean scores and the Kruskal–Wallis test and component analysis.
Findings
The results show that construction professionals face herculean tasks when adopting sensing technology in construction project management. Some prominent challenges are initial cost, lack of proper information technology (IT) infrastructure, power supply, lack of well-trained staff, maintenance cost, operating cost, cost of training, technology immaturity and resistance to change. The results also revealed that adoption challenges differ in these three countries, which may be attributable to the economic development level.
Practical implications
Despite the importance of sensing devices in construction industries, the study has revealed that Sub-Saharan African countries face enormous challenges in adopting them in project management and execution. This situation may hinder the industry’s ability to benefit from this technology in terms of efficiency, effectiveness and safety management, which may ultimately affect their cash flows.
Originality/value
The study provides a valuable understanding of the challenges encountered in implementing sensing technology in the construction sector in major countries within sub-Saharan Africa. These findings will enable the countries examined and other African countries to become cognizant of the challenges and implement strategies to overcome them, thereby enhancing performance in the construction industry.
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Caroline Silva Araújo, Emerson de Andrade Marques Ferreira and Dayana Bastos Costa
Tracking physical resources at the construction site can generate information to support effective decision-making and building production control. However, the methods for…
Abstract
Purpose
Tracking physical resources at the construction site can generate information to support effective decision-making and building production control. However, the methods for conventional tracking usually offer low reliability. This study aims to propose the integrated Smart Twins 4.0 to track and manage metallic formworks used in cast-in-place concrete wall systems using internet of things (IoT) (operationalized by radio frequency identification [RFID]) and building information modeling (BIM), focusing on increasing quality and productivity.
Design/methodology/approach
Design science research is the research approach, including an exploratory study to map the constructive system, the integrated system development, an on-site pilot implementation in a residential project and a performance evaluation based on acquired data and the perception of the project’s production team.
Findings
In all rounds of requests, Smart Twins 4.0 registered and presented the status from the formworks and the work progress of buildings in complete correspondence with the physical progress providing information to support decision-making during operation. Moreover, analyses of the system infrastructure and implementation details can drive researchers regarding future IoT and BIM implementation in real construction sites.
Originality/value
The primary contribution is the system proposal, centralized into a mobile app that contains a Web-based virtual model to receive data in real time during construction phases and solve a real problem. The paper describes Smart Twins 4.0 development and its requirements for tracking physical resources considering theoretical and practical previous research regarding RFID, IoT and BIM.
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Temidayo O. Osunsanmi, Chigozie Collins Okafor and Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa
The implementation of smart maintenance (SM) has greatly benefited facility managers, construction project managers and other stakeholders within the built environment…
Abstract
Purpose
The implementation of smart maintenance (SM) has greatly benefited facility managers, construction project managers and other stakeholders within the built environment. Unfortunately, its actualization for stakeholders in the built environment in the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) era remains a challenge. To reduce the challenge, this study aims at conducting a bibliometric analysis to unearth the critical success factors supporting SM implementation. The future direction and practice of SM in the construction industry were also explored.
Design/methodology/approach
A bibliometric approach was adopted for reviewing articles extracted from the Scopus database. Keywords such as (“smart maintenance“) OR (“intelligent maintenance”) OR (“technological maintenance”) OR (“automated maintenance”) OR (“computerized maintenance”) were used to extract articles from the Scopus database. The studies were restricted between 2006 and 2021 to capture the 4IR era. The initial extracted papers were 1,048; however, 288 papers were selected and analysed using VOSviewer software.
Findings
The findings revealed that the critical success factors supporting the implementation of SM in the 4IR era are collaboration, digital twin design, energy management system and decentralized data management system. Regarding the future practice of SM in the 4IR era, it was also revealed that SM is possible to evolve into maintenance 4.0. This will support the autonomous maintenance of infrastructures in the built environment.
Research limitations/implications
The use of a single database contributed to the limitation of the findings from this study.
Practical implications
Despite the limitations, the findings of this study contributed to practice and research by providing stakeholders in the built environment with the direction of SM practice.
Originality/value
Stakeholders in the built environment have clamoured to implement SM in the 4IR era. This study provided the critical success factors for adopting SM, guaranteeing the 4IR era. It also provides the research trends and direction of SM practice.
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Ting Zheng, Marco Ardolino, Andrea Bacchetti and Marco Perona
This paper has two objectives: first, to investigate the state-of-the-art of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) adoption in Italian manufacturing firms and, second, to understand variations in…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper has two objectives: first, to investigate the state-of-the-art of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) adoption in Italian manufacturing firms and, second, to understand variations in technologies implemented and business functions involved, benefits perceived, and obstacles encountered in I4.0 implementation over a three-year period.
Design/methodology/approach
The approach adopted in this research is descriptive, nesting longitudinal features. The paper presents a descriptive survey of 102 Italian manufacturing companies. The authors also evaluated non-response biases. The longitudinal approach was achieved by comparing the responses of the 40 sub-samples in common with a second similar survey launched three years prior, which aimed to identify patterns of evolution in the adoption of the I4.0 paradigm.
Findings
Survey findings demonstrate that Italian manufacturing companies still have limited awareness of I4.0 technologies, and the adoption of I4.0 technologies differs per technology. Company size and information system coverage level are the two factors that impact the company's technology adoption level. The comparative study shows that knowledge and adoption increase in a three-year interval with an unbalanced involvement of business functions regarding the I4.0 transformation. Indeed, companies are still seeking I4.0 solutions to reduce costs and lead times primarily, and the benefits perceived by companies are shown to be related to the number of I4.0 technologies in use. Finally, when companies put the I4.0 technologies into practice, competence is constantly considered the most significant barrier.
Research limitations/implications
This paper aims at conducting a thorough investigation into the development of I4.0 adoption in manufacturing companies. The main limitation of this study concerns the limited number of subjects involved in the longitudinal study (40) and the focus on a limited geographical area (Italy). In addition, more I4.0 technologies could also be incorporated into the survey protocol to gain further insight into I4.0 development.
Originality/value
The authors provide one of the first attempts to assess the variations of I4.0 implementation concerning technology adoption, business function involvement, and the alteration of benefits and obstacles. Several studies presented in the literature highlight the lack of longitudinal studies investigating the development of the I4.0 paradigm in a specific manufacturing context: this paper is the attempt at filling this gap.
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Cristina Orsolin Klingenberg, Marco Antônio Viana Borges and José Antônio Valle Antunes Jr
The purpose of this paper is to identify current technologies related to Industry 4.0 and to develop a rationale to enhance the understanding of their functions within a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify current technologies related to Industry 4.0 and to develop a rationale to enhance the understanding of their functions within a data-driven paradigm.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review of 119 papers published in journals included in the Journal Citation Report (JCR) was conducted to identify Industry 4.0 technologies. A descriptive analysis characterizes the corpus, and a content analysis identifies the technologies.
Findings
The content analysis identified 111 technologies. These technologies perform four functions related to data: data generation and capture, data transmission, data conditioning, storage and processing and data application. The first three groups consist of enabling technologies and the fourth group of value-creating technologies. Results show that Industry 4.0 publications focus on enabling technologies that transmit and process data. Value-creating technologies, which apply data in order to develop new solutions, are still rare in the literature.
Research limitations/implications
The proposed framework serves as a structure for analysing the focus of publications over time, and enables the classification of new technologies as the paradigm evolves.
Practical implications
Because the technical side of the new production paradigm is complex and represents an evolving field, managers benefit from a simplified and data-driven approach. The proposed framework suggests that Industry 4.0 should be approached by looking at how data can create value and at what role each technology plays in this task.
Originality/value
The study makes a direct link between Industry 4.0 technologies and the key resource of this revolution, i.e. data. It provides a rationale that not only establishes relationships between technologies and data, but also highlights their roles as enablers or creators of value. Beyond showing the current focus of Industry 4.0 publications, this paper proposes a framework that is useful for tracking the evolution of the paradigm.
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Priyadarshini Das, Srinath Perera, Sepani Senaratne and Robert Osei-Kyei
Industry 4.0 is characterised by the exponential pace of technological innovations compelling organisations to transform or be displaced. Industry 4.0 transformation of…
Abstract
Purpose
Industry 4.0 is characterised by the exponential pace of technological innovations compelling organisations to transform or be displaced. Industry 4.0 transformation of construction enterprises lacks systematic guidance and notable earlier studies have utilised maturity models to map transformation of enterprises. This paper proposes a conceptual maturity model for construction enterprises for business scenarios leading to Industry 4.0.
Design/methodology/approach
The requirements for designing maturity models, including comparison with existing models and scientifically documenting the design process, make Systematic Literature Reviews (SLR) appropriate. Two systematic literature reviews (SLRs) are conducted to shortlist a total of 95 papers, which are subjected to subsequent content analysis.
Findings
The first SLR identifies the following process categories as critical levers of industry 4.0 maturity; data management, people and culture, leadership and strategy, collaboration and communication, automation, innovation and change management. The second SLR ascertains that the existing maturity models in construction literature do not adequately correspond to Industry 4.0 business scenarios with limited emphasis on data management, automation, change management and innovation. The findings are assimilated to propose a conceptual Smart Modern Construction Enterprise Maturity Model (SMCeMM).
Originality/value
The paper systematises the transformation of construction enterprises in Industry 4.0 and leads to state-of-the-art development of Industry 4.0 and maturity model research in construction. The proposed conceptual model addressed both the demands of the construction industry as well as what is required to navigate Industry 4.0 better.