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- Análise da Caracterização Territorial, Geográfica, Demográfica e Socioeconómica da Região Dão LafõesPublication . Guimarães, André; Manuel Nogueira Reis, Pedro; Charrua-Santos, FernandoPretende-se com o presente documento caracterizar territorialmente, geograficamente, demograficamente e socioeconomicamente a Região Dão Lafões. A análise efetuada possibilitou a caracterização territorial da região, identificando-se os diversos municípios que a integram, assim como a sua área territorial. Também foi efetuado um estudo geográfico, com a indicação da localização geográfica da região e dos seus municípios. Geograficamente, foi possível observar a evolução da população e a densidade populacional ao longo dos últimos anos. Na análise socioeconómica foi efetuada uma revisão de diversos indicadores relevantes, tais como: o Poder de Compra per capita, o Valor Acrescentado Bruto, o Produto Interno Bruto, o Produto Interno Bruto per capita, a Produtividade do Trabalho e o Emprego, tanto para Região Dão Lafões como da Região Centro e de Portugal. Foi também estudado o tecido empresarial e económico da Região Dão Lafões e da Região Centro, comparativamente a Portugal. Após este estudo, foi possível identificar alguns problemas e fragilidades da Região Dão Lafões, obtendo-se um guião de prioridades. Constatou-se que esta região do interior, apresenta um tecido empresarial dinâmico, moderno e inovador com valências para acompanhar a evolução das regiões vizinhas. Contudo, esta deve ser revitalizada para aumentar a sua competitividade empresarial, sendo assim capaz de acompanhar e se integrar nos desafios da Indústria 4.0.
- Development of a Polymer Shredder: Recycling Waste from 3D PrintersPublication . Lopes, João; Samuel Messias; Guimarães, André; salgueiro marques, José Manuel Neto; Estácio Marques Mendes Gaspar, Daniel AugustoThe increasing use of 3D printers has heightened the need for sustainable solutions to manage the polymeric waste generated, such as PLA. This study presents the development of an innovative shredder capable of processing 3D printing waste and transforming it into reusable granules for the production process. The project involved the design of a knife mill, adapted for PLA, with blades offset by 30°, ensuring efficient distribution of cutting forces and reducing stress on the components. Critical components, such as blades, shafts, and motor, were dimensioned using precise calculations to determine cutting force, torque, and material resistance. The system was validated through finite element analysis (FEA), ensuring structural robustness and an adequate safety factor. The system allows for the adjustment of granule size using sieves with different calibers, making it adaptable to process requirements. It also includes safety devices that ensure reliable operation and protect the operators. The equipment proved versatile and capable of processing common polymers such as ABS, PETG, and PA. The results confirm that the shredder is a practical, efficient, and sustainable solution, contributing to the circular economy and reducing the environmental impact of 3D printing. In the future, improvements in design and automation could enhance its scalability and facilitate integration into industrial processes.
- Implementation of Autonomous Mobile Robots in Intralogistics: Simulations in a Case StudyPublication . Guimarães, André; Silva A.; Teixeira J.; Gomes F.; Martins S.Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) are increasingly being integrated into intralogistics operations, playing a pivotal role in material handling within the Industry 4.0 framework. In this context, a central unit oversees programming and planning decisions, while AMRs independently communicate and negotiate with other resources, such as machines and systems, decentralizing decision-making processes. These advancements have significantly impacted traditional methods and decision-making processes for planning and control. This study analyzes the use of simulation to evaluate AMRs in supplying XYZ factory assembly lines, with a view toward future implementation on the factory floor. Beyond comparisons, the study aims to assess AMR performance to determine their feasibility and provide analytical validation. Various simulation models were developed using SIMIO software to achieve these goals, followed by iterative adaptations and testing through simulation. The findings provide valuable insights into the role of AMRs in Industry 4.0- based production networks. They offer production managers practical guidance for determining optimal configurations and evaluating the performance impacts of AMR-based production networks compared to traditional assembly lines.
- Comparative analysis of welding processes using different thermoplasticsPublication . Trindade, Adelino; Guimarães, AndréThis study examined and contrasted three widely utilized welding techniques for modern thermoplastics: hot gas welding, laser beam welding, and friction stir welding. These techniques were employed to join various thermoplastic materials, particularly focusing on polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyvinyl chloride. The weld quality was evaluated using visual inspections and tensile strength tests. Additionally, Vickers hardness tests were performed on the welded joints to detect microstructural alterations. The research aimed to deepen the understanding of the mechanisms behind these welding processes and assess the welded joints' strength.
- Industry 4.0 - Assessment of Digital Readiness of Manufacturing Companies in PortugalPublication . Guimarães, André; Reis, Pedro; Charrua-Santos, FernandoThe Portuguese industrial culture is going through some challenges and difficulties in the new phase of digitalization, using the development of several technologies that provide digital solutions aligned with Industry 4.0 (I4.0). To evaluate the digital readiness for I4.0 of industries companies, namely small, medium and large companies, a IMPULS model was used, which allowed quantifying and qualifying their level of readiness to implement I4.0 technologies, considering different dimensions and subdimensions. It is found that not all companies have the same pace and facility in adopting and implementing these technologies, where business strategies are not integrated with I4.0, resulting in the absence of an accurate selfassessment on the real maturity level achieved. Therefore, it is of great importance to understand how companies are facing different challenges and difficulties in the digital transition. This work aimed to assess the level of digital readiness to I4.0 of manufacturing companies in Portugal, in global and dimensional terms for each region. The overall assessment level is low (beginner) and the Smart Infrastructure and Data-driven Services dimensions are weak (outsider).
- Industry 4.0 in Portugal: Validation of a Readiness Assessment Model Through an Empirical ApproachPublication . Guimarães, André; Reis, Pedro; Pereira, Teresa; Antonio J. Marques CardosoPurpose – Industry 4.0 requires businesses to adapt strategically and continuously assess their readiness. However, many manufacturing companies struggle to evaluate and implement Industry 4.0 due to the lack of clear assessment frameworks. This study addresses this gap by applying a structured maturity model to assess Industry 4.0 readiness in Portuguese companies. Design/methodology/approach – The study usesthe Shift2Future model, an adaptation of the IMPULS model designed for Portuguese companies. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and empirical research validated the model. The internal consistency of responses, measured by Cronbach’s alpha (0.9040), confirmed its reliability. Findings – The results highlight the importance ofstructured assessmentsin guiding digital transformation. The Shift2Future model helps companies understand their current Industry 4.0 readiness and plan their transition. The study also shows that success requires more than just investing in technology; it demands a holistic approach, including strategy and workforce skills. Practical implications – This research provides a practical tool for companies to assess their Industry 4.0 readiness and identify areas for improvement. It can also help policymakers and business leaders develop strategies to support digital transformation. Originality/value – Thisstudy fills a gap in the literature by offering a structured, validated model tailored to the Portuguese industrial context. The Shift2Future model provides a reliable f
- Industry 4.0 in Portugal - Economic Sectors MaturityPublication . Pedro Reis; Guimarães, André; Reis, Pedro; Cardoso, Antonio J. MarquesAssessing digital maturity is critical to successfully implementing Industry 4.0 in companies. This study evaluates the digital maturity of Portuguese companies across different regions and sectors using the Shift2Future tool, a self-assessment model adapted to the Portuguese context. The model assesses six dimensions: Strategy and Organization, Smart Infrastructure, Smart Operations, Smart Products, Data-Driven Services, and Human Resources, on a Likert scale from 0 to 5. Data was gathered from 610 companies across sectors like automotive, ceramics, and metalworking through a questionnaire conducted between 2022 and 2023. Using STATA 18.0 software, the analysis included Pearson correlation and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). The results indicate that companies in the North and Lisbon & Tagus Valley regions exhibit higher digital maturity. Traditional sectors like ceramics and glass show lower maturity due to technological and cultural challenges. This study evaluates the digital maturity of Portuguese businesses and suggests ways to improve their Industry 4.0 competitiveness.
- AI-Powered Data Management to Optimize Data Collection and Processing in a Painting LaboratoryPublication . Pereira, Maria Teresa Ribeiro; Pereira, Marisa João Guerra; Tavares, Miguel Guedes; Guimarães, André; Vilarinho, HermilioIndustrial laboratories often remain under-digitized compared to production lines, creating a gap between data acquisition and analytical intelligence, critical for advanced quality control. This study addresses this gap by proposing and validating a novel framework that combines Low-Code digitalisation tools with Machine Learning (ML) and Causal Inference to optimise data collection and analysis in an automotive painting laboratory. A Microsoft Power Apps-based platform was developed in order to digitalise all measurement records, eliminating manual transcription errors (previously ≈ 40.01%) and reducing data-handling time by up to 34% of an operator’s shift, while enabling centralised, traceable storage and Power BI integration. Four datasets were used to assess predictive capacity with Random Forest, XGBoost and Neural Networks; Random Forest consistently provided the most stable results—Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 0.972, Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) of 16.45%, and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 1.307. Causal models (Linear Regression, DoWhy, Causal Forest, Double Machine Learning) consistently identified ultrafiltrate I solid content of the electrodeposition process as a dominant causal factor for defects. This study provides a novel framework that bridges digitalisation and ML-based causal reasoning in laboratory settings, offering a scalable approach that can be extended and replicated in other industrial sectors, aiming to develop smart, data-driven quality control systems.
- Digital maturity and business performance in industry 4.0: evidence from industrial firms in Portugal's Dão Lafões regionPublication . Guimarães, André; Reis, Pedro; Antonio J. Marques CardosoPurpose – Digital maturity in the context of Industry 4.0 has become a key driverfor enhancing industrialization and overall business performance in the manufacturing sector. However, limited understanding remains regarding how the different pillars of digital maturity affect organizational and financial outcomes. This study investigates the influence of these pillars on key business performance indicators. Design/methodology/approach – A conceptual framework was developed to support the primary research hypotheses. A survey was conducted with 140 manufacturing companies in the D~ao Laf~oes region (Portugal), assessing subdimensions of digital maturity. Business performance data (ROA, debt, interest rate, productivity and Internationalization) were retrieved from the Iberian Balance Sheet Analysis System. Responses were collected through face-to-face interviews with managers, ensuring high-quality and context-rich data. Multiple linear regression models and robust statistical tests ensured the reliability of the results. Findings – Digital maturity has significant but heterogeneous effects on performance. Strategy and data analytics negatively affect ROA and productivity, while existing competencies positively influence internationalization. Strategy is also associated with higher debt. Other subdimensions show marginal effects on internationalization, debt, and interest rate. Practical implications – This study advances both the Industry 4.0 and performance management literature by demonstrating how distinct digital maturity pillars exert heterogeneous effects on operational and financial indicators. The findings refine existing maturity frameworks by showing that early-stage I4.0 adoption may generate negative short-termimpacts, underscoring the need for phased, capability-driven digital transformation strategies in SME-dominated regions. Originality/value – This study contributes to the literature on Industry 4.0 by providing empirical evidence on the differentiated effects of digital maturity subdimensions on business performance. It offers practical insights for policymakers and businessleadersseeking to optimize digital transformation strategies, particularly in SMEdominated industrial regions
- Modificação do Método Delphi para Aplicação num Questionário sobre a Transformação Digital na Gestão de AtivosPublication . Messias, Samuel; Guimarães, André; Raposo, Hugo; Estácio Marques Mendes Gaspar, Daniel AugustoA utilização de um método de avaliação e de validação é de extrema importância, neste caso, para credibilizar e fortificar a aceitação. Este artigo tem como objetivo descrever a aplicação da técnica Delphi no processo de validação do conteúdo de um questionário criado de raiz, sobre a Transformação Digital na Gestão de Ativos, para aplicação na indústria nacional. Neste estudo, participaram 25 especialistas com experiência em Gestão de Ativos e em Transformação Digital. Para a elaboração do questionário foram incluídos os seguintes temas: Gestão de Ativos, Transformação Digital, norma ISO 55001, sistemas de informação e o ciclo de vida dos ativos. Juntamente com estes temas, foram também abordados os modelos de maturidade referentes à Gestão de Ativos e à Transformação Digital. Utilizou-se o modelo do IAM (Institute of Asset Management), para avaliar do nível de maturidade da Gestão de Ativos, e utilizou-se o modelo VDMA/IMPULS para avaliar o nível de maturidade digital. A técnica Delphi utilizada, foi modificada de forma a ser adaptada para um questionário, realizada numa única ronda pelos especialistas. Os resultados apontaram para uma taxa de resposta de 72%. Os especialistas chegaram a um consenso sobre as 15 perguntas apresentadas, onde 10 questões foram validadas por unanimidade, com uma boa classificação, recebendo também algumas sugestões de melhoria, sendo que 5 não obtiveram tanto consenso. Para esta classificação e avaliação utilizou-se a escala de Likert de 1 a 5, onde “1 – Nada relevante” e “5 – Extremamente relevante”. Esta técnica Delphi, modificada, permitiu de uma forma clara, perceber as tendências e os vetores no futuro da Gestão de Ativos e da Transformação Digital. O método Delphi contribuiu para o aprimoramento da formulação do questionário, sendo esta uma etapa intermediária de um processo de validação iterativo. A opinião dos especialistas permitiu a obtenção de feedbacks construtivos e práticos para a validação das questões e da estrutura do questionário a ser utilizada.