Intelligent manufacturing in industry 4.0: A case study of Sany heavy industry

Abstract Industrial Internet is an important component of Industry 4.0. It aims to help manufacturers achieve intelligent management and decision making. In information era, manufacturing is becoming increasingly sophisticated and intelligent. Traditional manufacturers are exploring approaches to improve their competitiveness. Industrial Internet appears to be the solution for them to achieve their goals. However, they lack the guidelines to implement Industrial Internet. As such, this paper reviews Industry 4.0 and Industrial Internet and presents a case study about how Sany Heavy Industry applying systems thinking in implementing Industrial Internet and transforming itself into intelligent manufacturing. The growth path of intelligent manufacturing in Sany Heavy Industry is outlined. The directions for future development of intelligent manufacturing are discussed.