The Role of Simulation in the Context of Industry 4.0 in Building Evacuation

Due to the steady development of technology, Simulation constitutes one of the areas of Industry 4.0 which allows for the evaluation of several real-life situations. The result of this computer-based analysis indicates the most suitable scenario, thus leading to enhanced decision-making. Anchored on this premise, one has seen a considerable increase in the importance of simulation and its implementation in the context of building evacuation. This is due to the fact that it enables one to analyze the most favourable evacuation strategy for a location (regardless of its typology and purpose of use), as well as to ensure the best possible safety conditions for all those involved. To this end, the objective of this study was to present the implementation of simulation as a tool to improve decision-making in building evacuation procedures. Based on this research, one was able to confirm that Simulation is indeed one of the areas of greatest potential in Industry 4.0: if it certainly leads to the acquisition of a greater understanding of building evacuation, it also allows one to optimize the safety of the occupants found in any building typology. The implementation of Simulation to generate scenarios that will permit companies to promote a safety culture - through strategies of prevention and protection when confronted with an impending threat or disaster - points to the importance which should be attributed to this particular area. The safety of the occupants in a building can ultimately depend on the evacuation scenario and strategy adopted for the emergency at hand.