SMEs and Industry 4.0: Two case studies of digitalization for a smoother integration

SMEs are seen to have a hard time integrating the fourth industrial revolution. The purpose of our investigation is to grasp the impact that SMEs inherent limitations have on their integration in Industry 4.0. For this, we performed a 3 months full immersion investigation in a traditional manufacturing SME to assess such limitations (which are accountable for engendering obstacles). We present two digitalization propositions to showcase how simple digitalisation might set a company on the right track towards Industry 4.0. Both case studies display paths to increase the level of digitalization of an enterprise as it is a basic requirement for companies to enter this industrial revolution. Following this research's methodology will allow companies to be more aware of their current state of Industry 4.0 maturity and carve their way into this fourth industrial revolution. (c) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study aims to investigate the impact of inherent limitations on SMEs' integration into Industry 4.0 and suggests digitalization propositions to help companies enter the fourth industrial revolution by increasing their level of digitalization.