Bringing Clarity to Issues with Adoption of Digital Manufacturing Capabilities: an Analysis of Multiple Independent Studies

With access to a set of previously unpublished data focusing on implementation of digital manufacturing capabilities (Industry 4.0, Smart Manufacturing, and digital manufacturing), we attempt to identify recurring themes inhibiting their adoption, particularly focusing on small- and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs). The data from webinar surveys and industry interviews revealed specific insights into a lack of digital readiness of the US industrial base. While larger manufacturers can be well-positioned to take advantage of new digital capabilities due to their size and resource availability, their small- and medium-sized suppliers often lag. This phenomenon can be a significant roadblock to the adoption of Industry 4.0 capabilities and its promised benefits. Our research indicates that most SMMs are not in a position to adopt these advanced manufacturing technologies and lack awareness and understanding of what digital manufacturing means. The investigation echoes similar issues documented and described by others in Europe, Australia, and Asia in addition to other research findings within the USA.

Automated summary

The passage highlights that while larger manufacturers may have an advantage in adopting new digital capabilities due to their size and resource availability, their small- and medium-sized suppliers often lag behind in digital manufacturing adoption. This phenomenon can be a significant roadblock to the adoption of Industry 4.0 capabilities and its promised benefits.