Utilizing Fourth Industrial Revolution Technologies to Attain Quality Benchmarks in Manufacturing

Busisiwe Sithole (), Nita Sukdeo () and Sambil Charles Mukwakungu ()
Additional contact information
Busisiwe Sithole: University of Johannesburg
Nita Sukdeo: University of Johannesburg
Sambil Charles Mukwakungu: University of Johannesburg

A chapter in Human-Centred Technology Management for a Sustainable Future, 2025, pp 383-391 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract In this paper, we delve into the transformative effects of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies within the steel sector by closely examining two pioneering companies in South Africa. Through a blend of quantitative and qualitative methods, insights were garnered from 31 industry experts, shedding light on the adoption and impact of IoT, robotics, AI, big data analytics, and cloud computing on manufacturing practices. Our investigation not only maps out the landscape of 4IR technologies but also uncovers a genuine eagerness among the sector to embrace these advancements, underpinning a readiness to leap into the future of industrial innovation. We critically evaluate the advantages and hurdles of integrating these technologies, with a focus on their role in streamlining operations, reducing costs, bolstering competitiveness, and enhancing customer satisfaction. However, the study’s scope, limited by its focus on a small sample within a specific locale, calls for a broader inquiry to fully grasp the potential and challenges of 4IR technologies across the manufacturing spectrum. This research paves the way for further exploration, emphasizing the necessity for more extensive, varied, and sector-focused studies. Our findings serve as a cornerstone for ongoing dialogue on the evolution of manufacturing technologies, offering a roadmap for future research and practical application in the quest for manufacturing excellence.

Keywords: Fourth industrial revolution (4IR); Quality control; Manufacturing performance; Advanced technologies; Sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

There are no downloads for this item, see the EconPapers FAQ for hints about obtaining it.

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:prbchp:978-3-031-72494-7_38

Ordering information: This item can be ordered from
http://www.springer.com/9783031724947

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-72494-7_38

Access Statistics for this chapter

More chapters in Springer Proceedings in Business and Economics from Springer
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Sonal Shukla () and Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing ().