Non-recognition of the transformable area concept: Even though flexibility, transformability and modular factories are discussed in factory planning literature (Wirth, 2000; Schenk et al., 2014; Wiendahl et al.,2015; Grundig, 2018), most of the factory theories, models and concepts do not consider transformability requirements: the problem of non-transformable areas and their impact is generally not recognised. Similarly, the recent literature on industrial engineering, Industry 4.0, and the “factory of the future” (including the “smart factory”) does not adequately consider factory developments and lifecycles. The active transformability of areas and the necessity that factories should have this capability are not considered.