Let us assume the continuity of the development of production systems, from the beginning of their foundation to Industry 4.0 model. Let us formulate recommendations on how to start from the current state, which can correspond to each generation of production system models, and move in the shortest possible time and at the lowest possible cost to the optimal level, which currently corresponds to Industry 4.0 model. The analysis is carried out for the conditions of the machine industry, which supplies the other manufacturing industries with machines and is characterized by the most diverse operating conditions. The analysis does not apply to the conditions of high-tech manufacturing or the automotive industry as these industries have developed their own practices in the organization of production. The analysis also does not apply to the conditions of the food, chemical or clothing industries, in which the specificity of the processed materials and the technologies used determine the organization of production.