Industry 4.0 Readiness Calculation—Transitional Strategy Definition by Decision Support Systems

Abstract

The digitization of the manufacturing industry, 10 years after the introduction of the Industry 4.0 concept, is still one of the most demanding tasks for the companies, especially for SMEs. As one of the biggest barriers in new business model implementation, the lack of strategy and workforce skills is frequently mentioned in the literature. The high level of investments it requires and the perception of high risks with unclear future benefits can be avoided with readiness factor calculation. This paper presents a novel model for readiness factor calculation, oriented to process planning and based on decision support systems. The model enables the definition of the optimal strategic plan for the digitization with the use of decision support systems (analytic hierarchy process) and through the use of statistical methods implemented within the model it minimizes the influence of human subjectivity and quantification of qualitative criteria. This innovative approach enables the understanding of the transition process to new technology-enabled business models, in this case oriented towards process planning. The useability and reliability of the model is proven in a case study of a metal machining company.

Development of a readiness model for industry 4.0 using Analytical Hierarchy process and fuzzy inference system: Bangladesh perspective

“…A unique readiness factor computation approach based on decision support systems and process planning was introduced by Trstenjak et al [ 26 ]. By utilizing decision support systems and statistical techniques built into the model, the model makes it possible to define the best possible strategic plan for digitization while minimizing the impact of human subjectivity and quantifying qualitative criteria.…”

Systematic literature review on technological transformation in SMEs: a transformation encompassing technology assimilation and business model innovation

“…For example, Priyono (2020) present different case companies which responded differently to digitalization: SMEs with a high level of digital maturity accelerated the transition toward digitalized firms; SMEs with low digital maturity that only digitize their sales functions; and SMEs with low digital literacy that outsource their digital functions to partners. Recent studies propose the evaluation of the current situation of SMEs before transformation by assessing the readiness factor (Trstenjak et al 2022) and the maturity level (Petzolt et al 2022). These studies support strategic planning for technological transformation, enabling a better understanding of the transition.…”

Industrial Needs in the Fields of Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things and Edge Computing

“…However, both industry and academia need to have an even clearer picture of what is feasible and what needs to happen so that the digital transformation will occur. The implementation of new technologies should be based on a good strategy, depending on the company's readiness for digitization [55]. To support the industry, we aim to develop a taxonomy concerning the enabling technologies in Industry 4.0 world and Industry 4.0 problems in a future study.…”