To diagnose industry 4.0 by maturity model: the case of Moroccan clothing industry

Abstract

In 2011, the German government launched the visionary initiative known as Industry 4.0, with the goal of positioning itself at the forefront of cutting-edge manufacturing and the shift towards digital transformation. In the wake of this transformative wave, numerous manufacturers are continuously exploring avenues to bolster their capabilities and remain competitive in the market. This empirical study adopts a maturity model inspired by the Economic Development Board's Singapore Smart Industry Readiness Index. The model empowers companies to perform self-assessments, facilitating a systematic and comprehensive alignment with the principles of Industry 4.0. The research delves into the assessment of Industry 4.0 maturity within the Moroccan clothing industry, examining clustering index factors and the influence of key factors on companies' self-assessment. The results classify 252 Moroccan Clothing enterprises into three distinct categories, highlighting a strong positive correlation among process, technology, and organization. Significantly, a majority of the 252 companies evaluated using the maturity model still appear to be in early stages or partially mature, necessitating significant improvements and a reevaluation of their Industry 4.0 transformation strategies. Conclusively, the Singapore Smart Industry Readiness Index proves to be a valuable tool for conducting self-assessments within Moroccan-based enterprises. These findings offer practical guidance for both industry practitioners and researchers seeking to navigate the complexities of Industry 4.0 maturity and grouping.