Evaluation of enablers of cloud technology to boost industry 4.0 adoption in the manufacturing micro, small and medium enterprises

Abstract

Purpose Cloud technology is extremely critical for the continuing progress of Industry 4.0 and it helps in pooling centralized information for the business. Further, it offers a platform for collaboration for improving the performance of the industry. This paper aims to investigate the factors affecting the implementation of cloud technology for boosting Industry 4.0 adoption in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) of the manufacturing sector. Design/methodology/approach A total of 14 enablers were considered for the case study which were obtained from the literature survey and shortlisted by the experts of the domain (academia and industries). The interpretive structural modelling (ISM) approach has been used as a methodology for exploring the relationships between the enablers. Matrices impact croises multiplication applique and classment (MICMAC) analysis has been carried out for the validation of the developed structural model. MICMAC analysis helps to identify driving power and dependency potential of all considered enablers. Findings The results of the investigation indicate that three factors, namely, system integration, project management and competitive pressure, were significant. These factors drive all other considered factors in the implementation process. Research limitations/implications The opinions of the experts from the industry and academia were analyzed for the development of the hierarchical model and these inputs could be biased. This investigation intends to help the decision makers in the effective adoption of the cloud and Industry 4.0 technologies and for the formulation of the efficient implementation policies. Originality/value The present study aims to focus on cloud technology as well as Industry 4.0 in the context of manufacturing MSMEs and none of the previous investigations analyzed the enablers that influence the adoption of cloud technology for boosting Industry 4.0, especially using the ISM approach.

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