Overview

This unit of study aims to cover the skills and knowledge required to holistically optimise information flows using Industry 4.0 software tools. The student will learn to research and use various technologies which include modelling software, PLM, augmented reality/virtual reality software.

Requisites

Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date
Semester 1
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
02-March-2026
31-May-2026
Last self-enrolment date
15-March-2026
Census date
31-March-2026
Last withdraw without fail date
21-April-2026
Results released date
07-July-2026

Unit learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  1. Use modelling software to research, analyse and classify the current state (Lean and Industry 4.0 maturity) and identify fields of action
  2. Manage and optimise information flows from ideation to disposal using PLM
  3. Create digital twin using predictive analysis
  4. Create augmented/Virtual reality based tool to perform an Engineering task
  5. Create mobile app to monitor and control an Engineering system
  6. Develop and manage strategies to implement, collaborate, plan and roadmap an engineering system using Industry 4.0 business models

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)
Face to Face Contact (Phasing out)
Class		10.00 10 weeks 100
Placement
Placement		5.00 6 weeks 30
Online Contact (Phasing out)
Online Learning Activities		0.83 12 weeks 10
Unspecified Learning Activities (Phasing out)
Independent Learning		0.83 12 weeks 10
TOTAL150

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
Case StudiesIndividual 10 - 20% 1,2,3 
PortfolioGroup 20 - 30% 1,2,3,4,5,6 
ProjectGroup 40 - 60% 1,2,3,4,5,6 
ReflectionIndividual 10 - 20% 1,2,3,4,5,6 

Content

Current state analysis

  • Define strategic goals
  • Value stream analysis
  • Current State analysis
  • Lean management

PLM

  • Design Management
  • Document Management
  • Process Management
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Service Lifecycle Management 

Predictive Analysis

  • Planning
  • 1D System simulation
  • 3D CAE
  • Testing

Augmented/Virtual Reality

  • Planning
  • Programming
  • Execution
  • Optimisation

App Development 

  • Planning
  • Designing
  • Creation
  • Publishing

Detailed 4.0 Use Cases and evaluation

  • Development of necessary changes and adaption regarding processes and work organization
  • Development of alternative concepts and scouting of technologies
  • Development of migration paths
  • Description of necessary requirements for use cases (Dataflow, IT-architecture, organization, processes)

Implementation planning and roadmap

  • Development of initial change concepts
  • Assistance in the selection of implementation partners and budget planning

Production assessment 4.0 method transfer

  • Customization of methodology on company requirements
  • Procedural and organizational anchoring of the methodology

Diagnostic Analysis of the industries’ current status and migration to industry 4.0

Strategies to effect the change using USE-CASES to affect management acceptance

Disruptive Business models for Industry 4.0

  • Increasing product variations
  • Complex products and processes
  • Increasing volatility
  • Demographic changes
  • Complex information flows
  • New market participants and game changers
  • Ensuring competitiveness

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.