Abstract
Purpose
To review the state-of-the-art in smart remanufacturing, highlighting key elements of an Industry 4.0 future that supports circular economy principles, and offer a conceptual framework and a research agenda for transitioning to smart manufacturing.
Approach
The Scopus, Web of Science and Science Direct databases and search terms “Industry 4.0”, “Internet of Things”, “Smart manufacturing” and “Remanufacturing” were used to identify and select publications that had evidence of a relationship between those keywords. The 329 selected papers were reviewed with respect to the triple bottom line (economic, social and environmental). The study benefited from advanced text quantitative processing using NVivo software and a complete manual qualitative assessment.
Findings
Changes in product ownership models will affect the remanufacturing industry, with the growth of product-service-systems seen as an opportunity to re-circulate resources and create value. This is being supported by changes in society, user expectations and workforce attributes. Key to the success of remanufacturing in an Industry 4.0 future is the uptake of existing and emerging digital technologies to shorten and strengthen links between product manufacturers, users and remanufacturers.
Originality
Remanufacturing is recognised as a key circular economy strategy, which in turn is an important research area for development in our society. This article is the first to study “smart remanufacturing” for the circular economy. Its uniqueness lies in its focus on the remanufacturing industry and the sustainable application of Industry 4.0 enablers. The findings are used to create a framework that links to the research agenda needed to realise smart remanufacturing.
To review the state-of-the-art in smart remanufacturing, highlighting key elements of an Industry 4.0 future that supports circular economy principles, and offer a conceptual framework and a research agenda for transitioning to smart manufacturing.
Approach
The Scopus, Web of Science and Science Direct databases and search terms “Industry 4.0”, “Internet of Things”, “Smart manufacturing” and “Remanufacturing” were used to identify and select publications that had evidence of a relationship between those keywords. The 329 selected papers were reviewed with respect to the triple bottom line (economic, social and environmental). The study benefited from advanced text quantitative processing using NVivo software and a complete manual qualitative assessment.
Findings
Changes in product ownership models will affect the remanufacturing industry, with the growth of product-service-systems seen as an opportunity to re-circulate resources and create value. This is being supported by changes in society, user expectations and workforce attributes. Key to the success of remanufacturing in an Industry 4.0 future is the uptake of existing and emerging digital technologies to shorten and strengthen links between product manufacturers, users and remanufacturers.
Originality
Remanufacturing is recognised as a key circular economy strategy, which in turn is an important research area for development in our society. This article is the first to study “smart remanufacturing” for the circular economy. Its uniqueness lies in its focus on the remanufacturing industry and the sustainable application of Industry 4.0 enablers. The findings are used to create a framework that links to the research agenda needed to realise smart remanufacturing.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1205-1235 |
| Number of pages | 31 |
| Journal | Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management |
| Volume | 31 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| Early online date | 22 Apr 2020 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 22 Apr 2020 |
Keywords
- circular economy
- cyber-physical systems
- digital remanufacturing
- industry 4.0
- internet of things
- remanufacturing
- smart remanufacturing
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Engineering
- General Computer Science
