The Implementation of Industry 4.0 Elements as a Tool Stimulating the Competitiveness of Engineering Enterprises

Abstract

The article deals with the implementation of Industry 4.0 elements in Czech engineering companies in connection with the impact of this trend on the relationship between supplier and customer. The implementation of Industry 4.0 elements can have a positive effect on the relationship between supplier and customer through higher labour productivity, higher product quality as well as shorter production or delivery times. Industry 4.0 brings great opportunities for companies, which can mean greater efficiency and competitiveness; on the other hand, there are questions about whether companies are ready for it, i.e. whether there is sufficient infrastructure necessary to put Industry 4.0 into practice. The aim of this article is to identify the specifics of supplier-customer relationships in engineering which respond to the current trends and to find out how Czech engineering companies have implemented specific elements of Industry 4.0. No study of this kind has ever been conducted in the environment of Czech engineering companies. Based on the analysis of primary data obtained from 236 Czech engineering companies, the current trends in the management of relations between suppliers and customers are described; Czech engineering companies can use our results to increase their competitiveness. Emphasis is placed on Industry 4.0, planned investments in this infrastructure and the implementation of individual elements. Of the elements of Industry 4.0, Czech engineering companies mostly use tools and methods ensuring data security, automation of technological equipment and processes, cloud computing, mass customization and introducing sensors into production. Our results show that the investment in the necessary infrastructure is mainly related to the size of the company, with almost half of the large companies surveyed planning to invest in the infrastructure necessary to implement Industry 4.0 elements, while 46% of micro-enterprises do not plan to invest in Industry 4.0 elements.

Industry 4.0 Wireless Networks and Cyber-Physical Smart Manufacturing Systems as Accelerators of Value-Added Growth in Slovak Exports

“…Of course, the business has employed them, but to a limited extent (for example, EU funds for employee training). Industry 4.0 will undoubtedly increase competition, reduce costs, reduce stockpiles, and increase production efficiency [60][61][62][63][64][65]. The potential loss of some job positions was mentioned by respondents as a drawback (risks).…”

Integrating Supply Chain Partners through Implementing Industry 4.0 Technologies to Enhance Competitiveness

“…Organizational integration and digitization of value chains are needed for an effective I4.0 transition [5]. Although micro-enterprises are reluctant to invest in Industry 4.0 components, investments in Czech engineering companies are primarily focused on apparatuses and techniques confirming data safety, automation of scientific apparatus and procedures, mass customization, cloud-based computing, and sensor integration [51].…”

Computer Vision Algorithms, Remote Sensing Data Fusion Techniques, and Mapping and Navigation Tools in the Industry 4.0-Based Slovak Automotive Sector

“…The importance of international trade and its continuous dynamics have been influenced by the advent of several factors, which are usually referred to as megatrends in terms of their weight and impact on large-scale commerce [20]. One of these factors is transnationality, which has given rise to new kinds of agreements on intra-company commerce and inter-corporate collaboration [21]. Transnational corporations, associated with FDI, are an accurate representation of every transaction made between the direct investor and the business.…”