Evaluation of Industry 4.0 strategies for digital transformation in the automotive manufacturing industry using an integrated fuzzy decision-making model

Abstract

The current paper proposes a methodological frame to identify the best Industry 4.0 (I4) strategy for the automotive manufacturing industry as a roadmap for companies to make a more straightforward digital transformation. We noticed a critical research gap when we performed an extensive literature review. Although there are many studies available that assess the readiness of companies for I4, only a few deal with decision-making in terms of sustainable development, and none have applied that to the automotive industry. Practitioners can apply the proposed model to determine the strategy based on technological developments in I4. The current paper proposes an extended version of the combined compromise solution approach with the help of the picture fuzzy sets. According to the paper's results, by using the proposed model, developing a new business model based on technological improvements is the best strategy for the digital transformation of the automotive industry. Also, the lack of research and development implementations on I4 implementation is the most influential factor. Hence, practitioners in the automotive industry know the significance of research and development in reaching successful results for digital transformation. The acquired outcomes of the paper show that developing technology-based new business models is the best strategy for the automotive manufacturing industry concerning digital transformation instead of accommodating traditional business models and high technology utilization.