# A Novel Methodology for Assessing and Modeling Manufacturing Processes
## 5 Conclusions  
This section is divided into theoretical and managerial conclusions, in addition to an explanation of the limitations of the research performed and a description of the potential future research derived from the findings.  
Theoretical conclusions: The research work developed a holistic approach for the assessment of the status and performance of manufacturing systems and processes, providing steps as guidelines to follow in order to successfully apply the approach in real manufacturing systems. For that purpose, a new concept was generated by developing the state-of-the-art methodologies and approaches by considering areas, factors, parameters, and their interrelationships defined for a generic manufacturing system.  
Regarding managerial conclusions, the current challenges and opportunities for manufacturing systems were described and the need for an integrated model was exposed in which the relevant changes related to manufacturing systems through the industrial revolutions were identified as an opportunity to develop manufacturing modeling methodologies that can enable the transition and implementation of technologies and capabilities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. As a result, the conceptual model provides a framework for building digital models thanks to the manufacturing overview given. Moreover, the novel methodology approach applied to digital twin models can be a key tool in managerial decision making.  
Furthermore, the research work had limitations as it was not developed at the operative level and for specific cases, while it was also not proven in any company.  
Future research based on this research could focus on the following:  
* Transferring this research method to real production systems and applying it as a digital twin tool or an assistance tool for sales, production, quality, and maintenance leaders by centralizing all data related to the manufacturing system, thereby allowing the simulation of what-if scenarios, as well as for the monitoring and assessment of the manufacturing system state.
* Improving the model based on implementation feedbacks, as well as applying it to production networks with several production plants.
* Including data analytics, artificial intelligence, and blockchain, as well as other Industry 4.0 advancements, into the model and its applications.  
In summary, this study showed the potential benefits of the conceptual approach, allowing better decision making for both manufacturing and assembly managers and equipment and service suppliers. This ensures continuous optimization along the manufacturing asset lifecycle. The proposed model offers a novel methodology of how manufacturing processes can be assessed, managed, and controlled in an integral way. As a result, the proposed methodology represents a useful tool for organizations and managers in order to increase their efficiency, competitiveness, and, therefore, viability over time.  
Conceptualization, S.G.-G.; methodology, J.R. and S.G.-G.; software and programming, S.G.-G.; validation, S.G.-G.; data analysis, S.G.-G.; writing (review and editing), S.G.-G. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.  
This research received no external funding.  
Not applicable.  
The authors declare no conflict of interest.