Development of a readiness model for industry 4.0 using Analytical Hierarchy process and fuzzy inference system: Bangladesh perspective

Abstract

The rapid acceleration of innovation and the marvels of science and technology have introduced mankind to a new era known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution or Industry 4.0. As a developing country, Bangladesh should not lag behind in the concept of the domain known as Industry 4.0. A substantial number of industries across Bangladesh are coming forward to take on the challenges associated with this novel concept. It is, however, reported that many of them are now at the embryonic stage and only taking pilot initiatives. Before entering the domain of Industry 4.0, an industry must check its readiness and maturity to access the field, and that's where it comes to the importance of the readiness model. The main objective of this research is to propose a new readiness model based on the perspective of Bangladesh and developing countries like Bangladesh. Analytical Hierarchy Process and Fuzzy Inference System has been used for developing the model. There are four readiness levels in the proposed model that dictate the readiness of any particular industry. Through systematic literature review and expert opinion, 6 dimensions and their associated field have been identified for the determination of readiness level. In the later part of the research, a case study on one of the companies in the garments industry has been accomplished, and a radar chart is presented in order to illustrate the readiness of that garments industry. The results from the case study indicate that the ABC garments industry is in the Survival stage and several recommendations are then provided to cope better in that situation.