Abstract
Human factor plays an important role in the implementation of the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0). The concept of Industry 4.0 is poorly researched, particularly the social aspect. The authors have conducted a study to determine the level of preparation of employees for the introduction of technological changes. This study involved conducting a survey on a sample of 453 employees based in four organizations within the automotive industry. The respondents were thereafter divided into groups based on age and positions held. The employees’ knowledge of the Industry 4.0 technology was examined, and their openness to change and readiness to increase competence was determined. A causal relationship was found between knowledge and trust in technology. Employees’ fears associated with production automation were discussed. A group of production workers was found to be the least prepared to implement technology changes. Actions to improve the situation and potential consequences of inadequate implementation of this technology were indicated. The findings from this study were compared with the results obtained in other countries. Special attention was paid to the limitations of this study, and we identified the necessity to conduct international comparative research on small, medium and large enterprises.
Highlights
The concept of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) is a complex process involving the technological and organizational transformation of enterprises which has been made possible through the use of the latest information technology (IT) solutions and infrastructure
A survey was conducted in four automotive organizations with a sample of 453 employees who showed a varying knowledge of Industry 4.0 technologies
To better understand the terminology used in the survey, a brief description explaining each term was given to the respondents, and the descriptions were placed next to each technology
Summary
The concept of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) is a complex process involving the technological and organizational transformation of enterprises which has been made possible through the use of the latest information technology (IT) solutions and infrastructure. Cybersecurity, augmented reality or additive manufacturing provide strong support for these technologies [1,2,3]. The implementation of I4.0-centric technologies has a strong impact on factors such as the labor market, social environment and the physical environment. Contrary to previous industrial revolutions, the current fourth revolution has a synergistic interaction of various techniques and inventions which has changed the current dynamics of human work. This change in working behaviors has resulted in the emergence of professions with a high risk of automation and as a consequence, has contributed to a decline in employment
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