This research aims to investigate the impact of manufacturing flexibility on business performance. The manufacturing flexibility dimensions are mix, new product, labor, machine, material handling, routing and volume flexibility. The measures for the business performance are product market performance, customer satisfaction and profitability. The impact of manufacturing flexibility on business performance has been tested using a cross sectional study employing survey methodology, conducted within five manufacturing industries in Malaysia. Data were obtained from 137 returned questionnaires, which were analyzed using correlational and regression analyses. The results of the correlation analyses indicated that the manufacturing flexibility dimensions were positively and highly correlated among themselves, thus suggesting that the dimensions were interdependent. Meanwhile, the findings of the regression analyses provided support for the idea that manufacturing flexibility has a positive and significant impact on business performance. In other words, manufacturing flexibility improves business performance. In conclusion, this empirical research provides insights and a better understanding about the relationship between manufacturing flexibility and business performance. This research allows researchers/practitioners to gain in-depth knowledge about the concept of manufacturing flexibility and its impacts.
Industry 4.0 offers a wide range of concepts and technology to help manufacturing entities, especially the small and medium sized businesses, to gain competitive advantage. As a result, the effective adoption of technologies in the fields of asset integration, digitalization and automation is contingent on the fulfilment of a plethora of challenging requirements. The role of learning centers to assist these businesses is paramount to ensure a successful journey for the country’s overall digital transformation. An exploratory quantitative survey was conducted in Malaysia to elucidate the capabilities and gaps of the learning centers in assisting the country to spearhead the Industry 4.0 (I4.0) roadmap. The main finding of the survey indicates that the learning centers are required to further equip themselves to act as a catalyst to help the manufacturing industry unlock their potential of I4.0 albeit there is also a need to enhance commercialization between the learning centers and manufacturing entities. The survey also found that learning centers should further enhance collaboration and affiliation with the primary industries in the country to further drive I4.0 in Malaysia. Another key outcome of the survey is the calling for the setting up for a one-stop-center for I4.0 services such as for policy enquiries, funding, including the provision and promotion of learning centers capabilities and availability which is paramount to support the manufacturing entities digital journey transformation. Keywords: Industry 4.0, digital transformation, learning centers, manufacturing value chain
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