262
X. Chen et al.
As a single case study from qualitative analysis, the generalized findings what we
believe worked in Sweden, could be applied and valid for other countries and areas
as well, which requires further verification in a broader area. The proposed pattern
of environmental impact reductions from digitalization along manufacturing value
chain needs validations on various cases by quantitative analysis.
18.6 Conclusion
This study presents an initial step towards a framework of using digital technology
to reduce environmental impact along manufacturing value chain by showcasing
a case study in an international manufacturing company. It provides a viable and
practical guideline for manufacturing industry of integrating digital technology on
environmental impact reduction. It also supports on decision making to explore
opportunities of being more sustainable when investing on digital technology in
manufacturing industry.
Acknowledgements The author would like to thank all the interviewees from the case company,
for their precious time and valuable input. Great gratitude to the colleagues used to work together,
for their contribution on reviewing the technology explanation.
References
Berkhout F, Hertin J (2004) De-materialising and re-materialising: digital technologies and the
environment. Futures 36(8):903–920
Bonilla H, Silva O, Terra M, Franco R, Sacomano B (2018) Industry 4.0 and sustainability
implications: a scenario-based analysis of the impacts and challenges. Sustainability 10, 3740
Despeisse M, Ball PD, Evans S, Levers A (2012) Industrial ecology at factory level—a prototype
methodology. Proc IMechE, Part B: J Eng Manuf 226(10):1648–1664
Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) (2001) Virtual reality technology/market report. Daejon, 30 December pp 12–29
Herrmann C, Schmidt C, Kurle D, (2014) Sustainability in manufacturing and factories of the future.
Int J Precis Eng Manuf-Green Tech 1:283
Kagermann H, Wahlster W, Helbig J (2013) Securing the future of German manufacturing industry:
recommendations for implementing the strategic initiative INDUSTRIE 4.0. acatech, Final report
of the Industrie 4.0 working group
Kiel D, Müller J, Arnold C, Voigt K-I (2017) Sustainable industrial value creation: benefits and
challenges of industry 4.0. Int J Innov Manag V21, 1740015
Kletti J (2007) Manufacturing execution system (MES). In: Manufacturing execution system—
MES, pp 13–28
Lee J, Bagheri B, Kao H-A (2015) A cyber-physical systems architecture for industry 4.0-based
manufacturing systems. Manuf Let 3:18–23
Mabert V, Soni A, Venkataramanan MA (2003) Enterprise resource planning: managing the
implementation process. Eur J Oper Res 146(2003):302–314
X. Chen et al.
As a single case study from qualitative analysis, the generalized findings what we
believe worked in Sweden, could be applied and valid for other countries and areas
as well, which requires further verification in a broader area. The proposed pattern
of environmental impact reductions from digitalization along manufacturing value
chain needs validations on various cases by quantitative analysis.
18.6 Conclusion
This study presents an initial step towards a framework of using digital technology
to reduce environmental impact along manufacturing value chain by showcasing
a case study in an international manufacturing company. It provides a viable and
practical guideline for manufacturing industry of integrating digital technology on
environmental impact reduction. It also supports on decision making to explore
opportunities of being more sustainable when investing on digital technology in
manufacturing industry.
Acknowledgements The author would like to thank all the interviewees from the case company,
for their precious time and valuable input. Great gratitude to the colleagues used to work together,
for their contribution on reviewing the technology explanation.
References
Berkhout F, Hertin J (2004) De-materialising and re-materialising: digital technologies and the
environment. Futures 36(8):903–920
Bonilla H, Silva O, Terra M, Franco R, Sacomano B (2018) Industry 4.0 and sustainability
implications: a scenario-based analysis of the impacts and challenges. Sustainability 10, 3740
Despeisse M, Ball PD, Evans S, Levers A (2012) Industrial ecology at factory level—a prototype
methodology. Proc IMechE, Part B: J Eng Manuf 226(10):1648–1664
Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) (2001) Virtual reality technology/market report. Daejon, 30 December pp 12–29
Herrmann C, Schmidt C, Kurle D, (2014) Sustainability in manufacturing and factories of the future.
Int J Precis Eng Manuf-Green Tech 1:283
Kagermann H, Wahlster W, Helbig J (2013) Securing the future of German manufacturing industry:
recommendations for implementing the strategic initiative INDUSTRIE 4.0. acatech, Final report
of the Industrie 4.0 working group
Kiel D, Müller J, Arnold C, Voigt K-I (2017) Sustainable industrial value creation: benefits and
challenges of industry 4.0. Int J Innov Manag V21, 1740015
Kletti J (2007) Manufacturing execution system (MES). In: Manufacturing execution system—
MES, pp 13–28
Lee J, Bagheri B, Kao H-A (2015) A cyber-physical systems architecture for industry 4.0-based
manufacturing systems. Manuf Let 3:18–23
Mabert V, Soni A, Venkataramanan MA (2003) Enterprise resource planning: managing the
implementation process. Eur J Oper Res 146(2003):302–314