Operationalization of Critical Success Factors to Manage the Industry 4.0 Transformation of Manufacturing SMEs

Jonathan Brodeur, Robert Pellerin and Isabelle Deschamps
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Jonathan Brodeur: Department of Mathematics and Industrial Engineering, École Polytechnique de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
Robert Pellerin: Department of Mathematics and Industrial Engineering, École Polytechnique de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
Isabelle Deschamps: Department of Mathematics and Industrial Engineering, École Polytechnique de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 14, 1-35

Abstract: As an increasing number of manufacturing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) tackle their digital transformation toward Industry 4.0, the need for a methodology to manage this transformation, tailored to their particular context, becomes apparent. Since recent studies have identified critical success factors (CSFs) for the Industry 4.0 transformation of manufacturing SMEs, this paper aims to operationalize these CSFs and propose an Industry 4.0 transformation management methodology. This research is based on an extensive literature review on CSFs for Industry 4.0 transformation, followed by a Delphi–Régnier survey with a panel of Industry 4.0 experts. For each CSF, specific actions to perform at different stages of the Industry 4.0 transformation were defined and validated by experts. Based on a proposed Industry 4.0 transformation process, not all CSFs have to be managed at every phase and step of the transformation process. Each CSF must be supported by different actions positioned within each Industry 4.0 transformation process step. The results of this research are particularly relevant for manufacturing SME managers and consultants managing Industry 4.0 transformation. By performing these actions, they can ensure the achievement of multiple CSFs during their digital transformation projects and, thus, ensure their success. This research combines the academic and professional domains by proposing a way for theoretical findings to be translated into clear actions. The proposed model allows all the actors involved in manufacturing SMEs’ digital transformation projects to understand the actions needed to achieve a successful transformation.

Keywords: Industry 4.0; small- and medium-sized enterprises; manufacturing industry; critical success factor; project management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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