Critical factors for the successful implementation of Industry 4.0: a review and future research direction

Abstract

Industry 4.0 symbolizes the fourth industrial revolution and the current trend of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies. The purpose of this article is to examine the research question on how to successfully implement Industry 4.0 in organizations. This study through a systematic literature review protocol proposed by Tranfield, Denyer, and Smart analyzed 84 articles in depth. The descriptive, categorical and thematic analysis of the literature is conducted. This study identifies 10 critical success factors which are necessary for the successful implementation of Industry 4.0 in the organization. Based on the 10 critical success factors 10 research directions in this area is further expounded. This study can be used by the organizations as a guiding factor while implementing Industry 4.0 in their organizations. Focussing on these 10 factors will help organizations to be sustainable during the implementation of Industry 4.0. Though there are some literature reviews on Industry 4.0, this study critically analyses the literature for finding the critical factors for the successful implementation of Industry 4.0.

Keywords:

• Industry 4.0
• Cyber–Physical Systems
• Internet of Things
• critical success factors

Acknowledgements

We sincerely thank the editorial team and reviewers for the very valuable suggestions during the review process, which immensely helped to improve the paper.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Michael Sony

Dr. Michael Sony is at present a faculty at Namibia University of Science & Technology, Windhoek, Namibia. He holds a Ph.D. from Goa University, India. He holds a Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering from Goa University. He passed a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering in the year. He was earlier working in Goa Electricity Department, Government of Goa, India. He holds a Black Belt in Six Sigma. His research interest includes Quality Management, Industry 4.0, and sustainable operations.

Subhash Naik

Dr. Subhash Naik is a Heading the Process improvement & Business Excellence professional Globally. Presently working at Sterling & Wilson Pvt Ltd-market Leader in EPC segment. He is Holding Lean Certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Gold Medalist academically, Certified Project Management Professional, Champion in Lean Methodology, Operational Excellence, Change Management Professional. He is selected as International WHO’S WHO’S Professional from international society for inclusion in 2009 edition, Washington, USA. Dr. Naik have 17+ years Rich experience in Operational Excellence, Customer Service Delivery, Industrial Engineering, Business Excellence in a variety of leading roles and Responsible for Driving Strategic Transformation Projects on improving EBITDA.