An Industry 4.0 maturity model proposal

Abstract

Purpose In recent years, the development and application of innovative and disruptive technologies in manufacturing environments is shaping the fourth industrial revolution, also known as Industry 4.0. The purpose of this paper is to describe a tool to assess the maturity level in implementing Industry 4.0 concepts and technologies in manufacturing companies. Design/methodology/approach Using a framework to develop maturity models found in literature, three main steps were taken: the model design from the literature review on industry 4.0 and the comparative analysis of existing models; interviews with engineers and managers of relevant industries; and pilot tests in two relevant industrial companies. Findings The proposed maturity model has 41 variables considering five dimensions (organizational strategy, structure and culture; workforce; smart factories; smart processes; smart products and services). The studied companies showed different levels of Industry 4.0 implementation. According to respondents, the model is useful in making an initial diagnosis and establishes a roadmap to proceed the implementation. Practical implications Empirical evidence supports the relevance of the proposed model and its practical usefulness. It can be used to measure the current state (initial diagnostic and monitoring assessments), and to plan the future desired state (goal), identifying which transformational capabilities should be developed. Originality/value The literature review did not return an enough complete maturity model to guide a self-administered assessment. Therefore, the proposed model is a valuable tool for companies and researchers to understand the I4.0 phenomenon, plan and monitor the transformation actions.

State-Business Relations from the Perspective of the Companies' Preparedness for the Changes Related to the Implementation of the Industry 4.0 Elements: A Case of the Czech Republic

“…With the automation of simple repetitive or physically demanding tasks, the work content has changed in more challenging tasks requiring the skill of decision-making, problem-solving, interdisciplinary competencies, and ICT knowledge. Highlights on employees' roles in the transition process were also brought up (Santos & Martinho, 2019). As a conclusion of RQ2, the results confirm that the adaptation of personnel to new conditions shouldn't be overlooked as it represents a serious concern for all companies without differences by company size.…”

“…While observing companies' preparedness to implement new technologies in working processes, employees' roles should be considered (Santos & Martinho, 2019). The state's part is in the education system encompassing schools and universities and training either organized directly by the state institutions or financially supported by subsidies.…”

Implementing Industry 4.0: assessing the current state

“…The next two articles (Santos and Martinho, 2020;Pirola et al, 2020) describe a maturity model and a readiness assessment model for Industry 4.0. Maturity models and readiness assessment models for Industry 4.0 enable an objective and impartial evaluation of a company's position, by deciding what needs to be measured and how to assign a specific degree of maturity to a company regarding Industry 4.0 (Pirola et al, 2020).…”

Project-based maturity assessment model for smart transformation in Taiwanese enterprises

“…The maturity model will enable enterprises to determine their capabilities and systematically realize their vision of smart manufacturing. Santos and Martinho [50] report that maturity model is a tool to measure the maturity level of enterprises to achieve their ultimate goals. It can also be used to evaluate the initial development stage of the enterprise and to develop the future development strategy [51].…”