Learnings from Industry 4.0 for transitioning towards Industry 4.0+: challenges and solutions for Indian pharmaceutical sector

Industry 4.0 (I4.0) is helping production units to become smarter using cyber-physical systems and cognitive intelligence. The advanced diagnostics with I4.0 technologies (I4.0t) help in making the process highly flexible, resilient and autonomous. Still, the adoption of I4.0t especially in emerging economies like India is at a very slow pace. The present research has used an integrated approach i.e., Analytical Hierarchy Process-Combinative Distance-Based Assessment-Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory to propose a barrier solution framework using data from pharmaceutical manufacturing sector. The findings reveal that Costly venture is found to be the most critical deterrent while Customer awareness and satisfaction is one of the potential solutions for I4.0t adoption. Further, lack of standardisation and fair benchmarking policies especially in the context of developing economies needs immediate attention. This article concludes by proposing a framework which will help to move from I4.0 towards Industry 4.0 + (I4.0+) which emphasises on role of collaboration between man and machine. And leads to sustainable supply chain management.

Automated summary

Industry 4.0 (I4.0) is helping production units become smarter through the use of cyber-physical systems and cognitive intelligence. However, the adoption of I4.0 technologies, especially in emerging economies like India, is slow. This research proposes a barrier solution framework using an integrated approach and data from the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector. The findings highlight the high cost as a critical deterrent and suggest customer awareness and satisfaction as potential solutions for I4.0 technology adoption. Additionally, the lack of standardization and fair benchmarking policies in developing economies requires immediate attention.