How to implement IoT in an assembly line – A training module to support the digital transformation in SMEs

The ongoing digital transformation is particularly challenging for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME), due to a lack of qualified personnel and lacking resources. Numerous studies show that the level of shop floor digitalization is significantly lower compared to larger companies. Nevertheless, especially Internet of Things (IoT) provides a useful technology for SMEs in terms of higher productivity, better traceability and documentation. This paper presents an interview study on the current challenges and competence requirements regarding this topic. Based on the competence requirements, a didactical transformation is performed on the basis of on Tisch et al. (2015) and a training concept is presented. In this training concept participants should be able to 1) identify possible use cases and choose suitable sensors; 2) understand data flow from the detection of the sensor to visualization; 3) generate, transform and process sensor data from the production process; 4) transfer this data via a communication protocol; and 5) visualize and understand processed sensor data via dashboards. The technical implementation is performed with the Factory Cube of the United Manufacturing Hub.