Circularity and sustainability, these are terms that are discussed in many different ways in current research due to the climate crisis. To face the challenges of the climate crisis and new consumer behaviour, the still emerging concept of Industry 4.0 is considered in different ways. When it comes to circularity, this thesis highlights and focuses on the circularity part of reverse logistics or in other words, the reverse flow of goods in a supply chain. These themes are interrelated but not seen as a whole by research so far. This thesis analyses which Industry 4.0 technologies can be used in reverse logistics, what economic, environmental and social effects they have and how they can be measured. Methodologically, we combine exploratory and explanatory research with a deductive way of reasoning, where we analyse data of 4 interviews and 2 surveys in at total 5 Swedish and German manufacturing companies out of the mining, construction equipment, electronics, fasteners and communication industry with a multi method qualitative approach. This is done with the help of literature related to Industry 4.0, reverse logistics as well as environmental, economical and social sustainability. Our results are that the most used Industry 4.0 technologies by manufacturing companies in reverse logistics are Big Data, CPS, IoT and AI. When it comes to sustainability effects and measurements, the companies mostly are focusing on economical and environmental sustainability, while social sustainability is not observed to a similar extent. Especially environmental effects are seen and measured as these figures are important and in demand at the market right now, while economical effects are more often measured with regular KPIs and social effects are not considered as much.

Manufacturing companies are faced with challenges associated with the fluctuating demand in consumer purchases. As a result, broader families of varyingly manufactured products are on the rise, which poses a significant workload problem for production engineers involved with process planning. The aim of this paper is therefore to introduce Feature-based Machining, as an endorsed CAM-based method to alleviate such workload involved when planning for machining processes. Feature-based Machining does this by eliminating conventional work steps associated with Computer-aided Manufacturing, such as defining cutting parameters, tool associations, feeds and speeds, tool-path generation, and more. By recognizing features over a given workpiece, several pre-taught operations can be automatically generated in response, following an established library of machining knowledge. The methodology of preparing Feature-based Machining is an extensive process that is to be detailed comprehensively in this project, so that future projects and industries may adopt it as a resolute method towards process planning. Moreover, relevant subjects such as sustainability, ethical concerns and innovation are also to be reflected on from the perspective of Feature-based Machining, to provide for fruitful discussion surrounding strategies and implementation.Furthermore, it is also relevant to discuss the intuitiveness and transparency of computer[1]aided software, as it relates to any issues or hurdles that may be encountered during the process of applying Feature-based Machining. Despite such challenges, this project has resulted in a visual framework of recognizing features and applying processes across a family of crankshaft workpieces, where the utility of Feature-based Machining has proven significantly promising for industries of the future, as a result. Future work is also encouraged to follow up on the significance of Virtual Commissioning to this part, as well as a thorough review of Feature-based Machining as a modern subject.

A fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) is on the horizon. It is enabled by advancements in information and communication technologies (i.e. digitalization) and concepts such as the Internet of Things and cyber-physical systems. Industry 4.0 is expected to have great impact on the manufacturing and process industries, changing how products are developed, produced and sold. However, Industry 4.0 is a novel concept and its impacts are still uncertain. An increasingly strict climate and energy agenda in Sweden is putting pressure on the industrial sector and it is, therefore, important that the sector exploits the full potential Industry 4.0 can provide for increased sustainability. This thesis examines the status of digitalization in the Swedish energy intensive industries (i.e. pulp and paper, steel, and chemical industries) and how it could impact energy efficiency in the sector. Qualitative research methods were used to carry out the study. A literature review and in-depth interviews with employees within the industries were conducted. The results show that, while digitalization is considered important for the future competitiveness of the Swedish energy intensive industries, the digital maturity of the sector is not considered high. Digital technologies can increase energy efficiency in a number of different ways (e.g. through better optimization tools, increased availability of processes and more efficient maintenance management). However, there is not a clear link between digital strategies and energy efficiency measures in the energy intensive industries in Sweden. Moreover, energy efficiency is not considered the main driver for implementing digital technologies, it is rather considered a positive side effect. To accelerate the implementation of digital technologies it is important to support further research in this area and encourage a closer cooperation between stakeholders as well as mitigating challenges such as uncertainty regarding return on investment and issues related to data security and ownership. / Industrin är på väg in i en fjärde industriell revolution (Industri 4.0). Revolutionen möjliggörs av framsteg inom informations- och kommunikationsteknologier (digitalisering) och koncept som internet av saker och cyberfysiska system. Industri 4.0 förväntas ha en stor påverkan på tillverknings- och processindustrin, vilket kommer att förändra hur produkter utvecklas, produceras och säljs. Industri 4.0 är dock ett nytt koncept och dess effekter är fortfarande osäkra. I samband med att en allt strängare klimat- och energiagenda i Sverige sätter press på industrisektorn, är det viktigt att sektorn utnyttjar den fulla potentialen som Industri 4.0 kan bidrag med för en ökad hållbarhet. Det här examensarbetet analyserar det nuvarande läget för digitalisering inom de svenska energiintensiva industrierna (dvs. massa och pappers-, stål- och kemisk industrin) och hur det kan påverka energieffektiviteten i sektorn. Studien genomfördes med hjälp av kvalitativa forksningsmetoder. En litteraturstudie och fördjupade intervjuer med anställda inom branscherna genomfördes. Resultaten visar att trots att digitalisering anses vara viktig för de svenska energiintensiva industriernas framtida konkurrenskraft, anses sektorns digitala mognad inte vara hög. Digital teknik kan öka energieffektiviteten på ett antal olika sätt (t.ex. genom bättre optimeringsverktyg, ökad tillgänglighet av processer och effektivare underhållshantering). Det finns dock ingen tydlig koppling mellan digitala strategier och energieffektivitetsåtgärder i de energiintensiva industrierna i Sverige. Dessutom anses energieffektivitet inte vara den främsta drivkraften för att implementera digitala teknologier, utan anses snarare vara en positiv bieffekt. För att påskynda implementeringen av digital teknik är det viktigt att fortsätta stötta forskningen inom området och uppmuntra till ett närmare samarbete mellan olika aktörer samt bemöta utmaningar som osäkerheten kring framtida avkastningar på investeringar och frågor relaterade till datasäkerhet och ägande.

In manufacturing, emerging digital technologies related to industry 4.0 are playing an assisting role for operators, and just as in previous industrial revolutions the paradigm for operators in the industry is changing. This study has two key goals. The first is to look into the impact of the worker's psychosocial impacts under the operator 4.0 typologies during assembly, training, and maintenance operations, and the second is to look into the potential changes in the operator framework as the industry progresses from 4.0 to 5.0. This study proposed a theoretical framework for assessing psychosocial impacts in operator 4.0 typologies. The proposed framework can be utilized by the company managers, researchers, production engineers, and human resource personnel for the psychosocial risk assessment of the operators in assembly, training, and maintenance operations as self-report questionnaires. This study employed a systematic literature review strategy to answer the study objectives. The findings reveal that the nature of work, the social and organizational environment of work, and individual impacts are all key categories, that might impact operators’ psychosocial environments in assembly, training, and maintenance operations under the operator 4.0 typologies.This study focuses on determining the psychosocial consequences of the operator 4.0 typologies and helps the operators to become more aware, and equipment designers should consider operator psychosocial work conditions when designing new augmented equipment for assisting operators in the work environment. Most advanced technologies are unfamiliar to operators, and they have exhibited a reluctance to accept new technology because it significantly changes their working environment. Which necessitates the training and awareness of operators regarding advanced technologies. Operator 4.0 typologies were introduced with a vision to create a socially sustainable environment for operators. However, the identified psychosocial impacts make it favorable and unfavorable to the operators.

During the pilot search, we discovered a gap in the literature in regard to the combination of Dynamic Capabilities and Emerging Technologies and the combined effect that both have on creating Supply Chain Resilience. Numerous studies discussed the subject’s individual, or two of the combined, but not all three together. This was the base for the purpose of the study of how emerging technologies will affect the dynamic capabilities of sensing, and from those effects, create supply chain resilience. A systematic content analysis was utilized using the existing literature of the three subjects. Based on the first scan of the literature, a conceptual framework was created, which was the foundation moving forward.  The findings indicate that the implementation of Emerging Technologies into the sensing process will permit an enhanced set of tools for gathering and sharing data and information both internally and externally, while offering increased visibility, traceability and transparency throughout the supply chain, improving sensing capabilities. Due to potentially higher degree of accountability and openness, this could result in a more collaborative nature built on trust and interlinked cooperation. With higher degrees of trust and interconnection between supply chain partners, a decentralized, collective problem-solving system/approach could be applied, where the interests of all involved parties are considered.

The purpose of this thesis is to study the impact of Industry 4.0 on the backshoring of international companies. As well, this thesis will provide an in-depth look of how backshoring is being carried out under the wave of Industry 4.0. In order to conduct this research, key characteristics concerning the rather new phenomenon of backshoring have been evaluated and later correlated to internationalization and Industry 4.0. In this thesis, an abductive research approach was adopted as the research area was considered rather unexplored. The literature review of this thesis discusses theories regarding internationalization, Industry 4.0 and backshoring. The literature review leads to a conceptual framework that displays interrelations between the different theories. The conceptual framework was next used to investigate the empirical data that was procured from case companies. The findings from this empirical research are then outlined in the following chapter. The analysis chapter presents a comparison between the theory and data, according to the conceptual framework. The final chapter brings together the results from the analysis and integrates insights, limitations, proposals and suggestions for future studies. The main theoretical implications that this thesis has led to involves filling the research gap as well as a definition of the phenomenon of backshoring in a context of international business.The main practical implication is that Industry 4.0 has the potential to enable backshoring for international companies, but there needs to be a balance between cost, quality and availability of skilled labour and infrastructure. While the full effects have yet to be seen, research shows that companies are already taking advantage of increased productivity and efficiency through Industry 4.0 technologies. This thesis presents a new, original perspective on the phenomenon of backshoring, providing fresh insight into the topic. Additionally, this research can be valuable to international companies who have already embraced or plan to invest in Industry 4.0 technologies within their manufacturing process.

The fourth industrial revolution also known as Industry 4.0 ushers in new advanced manufacturing technologies that enables companies to improve efficiency and reduce waste. The promising outlook of this era suggests that the implementation degree for Swedish manufacturing SMEs operating in a high-tech context should be high, this is however not empirically observed. The purpose of the paper is to investigate the implementation level of Industry 4.0 technologies in the chosen context, identify barriers that hinder implementation, as well as investigate how the use of the new technologies can be increased. The paper uses a quantitative data approach, using empirical data derived from a survey that was sent out to relevant practitioners acting in the manufacturing industry. Findings indicate that the barriers derived from previous literature match what is experienced by the practitioners surveyed, but that the perceived impact between each barrier is varied depending on if they have implemented Industry 4.0 or not. By combining key themes and findings of the paper, a model is constructed and applied to reduce the perceived impact of the barriers leading to higher implementation levels of new advanced technologies.

Background: In the context of the latest fourth Industrial Revolution, more and more people have a growing awareness of the concept of Industry 4.0. It has a wide range of applications in various fields and is also particularly important in port logistics. For small and medium-sized ports, digital transformation is significant important since they play a vital role in the supply chain. However, such ports still face many obstacles from digital transformation. Purpose: The study aims to investigate and understand the application of Industry 4.0 in small and medium-sized ports, identify challenges and opportunities related to the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies by analyzing existing advantages. Thus, help small and medium-sized ports better achieve the transformation of port digitization. Method: The method in this thesis is based on grounded theory. Besides, the researchers have chosen interpretivism to utilize surveys with port executives to examine the successful digitalization processes in different sized ports. The methodology employed involves a combination of qualitative data, quantitative and secondary data to support the findings. Additionally, the researchers incorporate stakeholder theory to assess the potential advantages and barriers associated with the digital transformation of ports. Conclusion: The researchers found that the technologies should be implemented in priorities such as digitization and Closed network system. Researchers also identified major barriers to implementation which are financing and knowledge & expertise. Most ports have recognized the importance of Industry 4.0. The main benefits of Industry 4.0 are improved operations and cost saving.

With the trend toward more connected and automated industries, the benefits of an open-source version of standard solutions become clear. It is common place to use proprietary Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV); however, using open-source Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) solutions would allow smaller and medium-sized businesses to compete with larger businesses. Implementing an open-source solution would require adapting a mapping technique that it will use. The study compares using a predefined map and a dynamically run-time generated map and the difference in time from start to destination and the distance traveled. The results show that the dynamic and predefined perform better or worse depending on the environment. Using predefined mapping indicates an overall better solution for industries because while the distance and time are pretty close, the variance difference is too significant for an environment that requires consistency.

Manufacturing companies are undergoing a digital transformation as the fourth industrial revolution progresses. These companies strive to track their progress in the transformation, understand the affecting factors, and formulate an effective strategy for the transformation. Studies that have been conducted to date have explored various factors that can influence the transformation process in a range of fields, however, there is a lack of research in the manufacturing industry. Hence, the purpose of this research is to explore the enablers and barriers to digital transformation using the maturity model and the importance of having a comprehensive strategy for digital transformation in manufacturing companies. To accomplish this, empirical data is collected through a survey based on a maturity model and combined with interviews. The data collection is done at a case company that is currently undergoing a digital transformation and is facing challenges in further development. The main factors that enable the transformation is leadership support, knowledge creation, having relevant skills, employee involvement and continuous improvement culture. While the barriers to transformation are lack of top management commitment, absence of strategy, lack of financial investments, knowledge ambiguity, poor data management and highly customized products. Many of these factors are consequences of other factors, such as lack of investment which was found to be a consequence of a lack of top management commitment and strategy. Further, the lack of strategy is seen as a root cause leading to insufficient budget, employee resistance, discrepancies in perception among managers, and problems in prioritization of projects. The main takeaways for manufacturing companies from this report are to ensure top management commitment, continuous improvement, and formulation of a comprehensive strategy to succeed with digital transformation.