Application of Automation and Manufacture techniques oriented to a service-based business using the Internet of Things (IoT) and Industry 4.0 concepts. Case study: Smart Hospital

Abstract: The implementation of Manufacture and Automation techniques is mandatory in the current world. Mainly, the enhancement and progress of healthcare are fundamental in wellbeing improvement. This paper points to the utilization of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Industry 4.0 concepts oriented to the optimization of a Smart Hospital using the Hospital Emergency Department (HED) as a case study. This proposal focuses on the development of a smart Hospital-based of the IoT, Industry 4.0, Health 4.0, and other current technology. On the other hand, the use of a computational simulation tool like the Discrete Event Simulation Model (DES) will allow the test, recognition, and reduction of bottlenecks in the HED workflow. The issue given by the bottlenecks is automatically controlled using an improved dynamic shift management proposal based on control theory, forecasting methods, and telemedicine. The results show an improvement in the use of the resources and a reduction of the length of stay that directly reduces the HED mortality rate, improving the service quality. The objective of this paper is to propose a simulation tool-based on DES for a selected HED, using forecasting methods of the patients’ arrival in a HED using the Autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model. Following the forecasted entries, a proposal for bottleneck avoidance using a HED DES was realized. The forecasting data provided useful predictive information for the improvement of the HED workflow. As well as the analyzed data of a traditional HED system is helpful to solve the overcrowding problem. Finally, the use of simulation tools allows the test and validation of novel proposals for two smart HED optimization proposals following e-Health and Hospital 4.0 principles.