Abstract
This research aims to identify, rank, and create an interplay among the psychological barriers to adopting Industry 4.0 technologies in the manufacturing sector. A comprehensive literature review tracked by a discussion with industry and academic experts recognized 20 barriers. Based on three widely acclaimed statistical techniques, hybrid AHP-TOPSIS (Analytical Hierarchy Process-Technique for Order Performance by Similarity to Ideal Solution) and ISM (Interpretative Structural Modeling), critical psychological barriers have been investigated. A group of 8 experts from industry and academia with at least 10 years of experience was consulted for AHP and ISM techniques. Whereas TOPSIS was conducted by 443 operational-level users, including managers and supervisors of different functional areas of the manufacturing industry located in Pakistan. The findings reveal that ‘Fear of job losses’, ‘Fear of data loss/Risk of security breaches, ‘Lack of advanced & continued education of employees’ and ‘Lack of standards and reference architecture’, with highest importance weights, emerged as the most prominent psychological barriers in developing economies. Then the interrelations among these barriers resulted in a four-layered structural model. The driver barriers identified in the final model advocate that development in ‘advanced & continued education of employees’, ‘standards & reference architecture’ and ‘minimization of fear of job & data loss’ can expedite the adoption of industry 4.0 (i4.0) technologies. The study uniquely develops hierarchical relationships among the psychological barriers for adopting i4.0 in the manufacturing context using AHP-TOPSIS and ISM techniques. The study would be valuable for practitioners, decision-makers and companies that wish to focus their efforts and resources on removing the most critical barriers and challenges for the seamless implementation of Industry 4.0.
Highlights
The first industrial revolution, characterized by production facilities powered by steam engines, started at the end of the 18th century
The third industrial revolution differentiated by automation, electronics and information technology began in the 1970s [1]
Contemporary organizations & fourth industrial revolution implementation of i4.0 were identified based on the literature review and experts’ inputs
Summary
The first industrial revolution, characterized by production facilities powered by steam engines, started at the end of the 18th century. Industry 4.0 (i4.0) has opened new avenues of technological advancements and innovations, and is not the end of technological progress [3] This fourth revolution can be described as a set of smart factories, cloud computing, the internet of services, cyber-physical systems and the internet of things [4]. I4.0 is not just a new manufacturing era [6] but has emerged as the most prominent solution achieving sustainability [7] This paradigm shift from embedded to cyber-physical systems would put manufacturing organizations in a number of technological, organizational, and managerial challenges. The future production systems would require a set of new respective competencies because some processes are expected to be simplified, and others to become much more embedded and complex [8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
