Method for process modelling and analysis with regard to the requirements of Industry 4.0: An extension of the value stream method

Digitalization and Industry 4.0 create new opportunities and challenges in production and logistics. This also applies to methods for process modelling and analysis. The following paper discusses the possibilities, chances and limitations of the value stream method in this context. For this purpose, requirements regarding process modelling and analysis in digitalization and Industry 4.0 have been systematized by a criteria catalogue. Different extensions of the value stream method are described, discussed and evaluated in order to depict deficits in the current methods. Furthermore, an approach for the visualization of Industry 4.0 systems at the conceptual stage of Industry 4.0 projects has been developed, based on the value stream method. A case study evaluation shows possibilities of this approach.