Glossary · IIoT, data and AI
Smart factory
Also known as: Intelligent factory, Connected factory
German: Smart Factory
In manufacturing, a smart factory is a production facility in which machines, systems, products and people are digitally connected, so that data is used continuously to monitor, adapt and optimize production. The term is closely associated with Industrie 4.0 and describes a goal rather than a defined standard.
- IIoT
In one sentence
A smart factory connects machines, products, systems and people so that data continuously monitors, adapts and optimizes production.
Example
In a smart factory, a workpiece carries its order data on an RFID tag, and each station loads the matching program automatically when the part arrives.
How it applies
- Engineering: Smart factory concepts rely on consistent data models, networked controllers, MES integration and flexible, reconfigurable equipment.
- Operation: More connectivity means more dependencies. OT security, network availability and clear responsibilities between IT and OT become part of production planning.
- Documentation: Documentation shifts from static manuals toward context-sensitive information delivered at the machine, which requires modular, well-classified content and metadata.
Smart factory vs. automated factory
A highly automated factory can run with fixed sequences and little data exchange. A smart factory is defined by connectivity and data-driven adaptation. Being connected or data-driven does not make a factory safe or compliant; the machines still need their own risk assessment and conformity assessment. Many smart factory initiatives start with a few connected lines and grow step by step as data models and responsibilities mature.