Digital Transformation of Value Chain Activities an Industry 4.0 Approach for Electrical Equipment Manufacturing with a Small Business Focus


Authors : Shireen Bojja

Volume/Issue : Volume 9 - 2024, Issue 12 - December

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/57bxsmwk

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/4bnuv686

DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14575874

Abstract : The application of digital technologies to value chain activities is a critical factor of new-generation manufacturing, particularly within the field of Industry 4.0. Specifically, we focus on type of Industry technologies for electrical equipment manufacturing firms operating in this sector particularly the small businesses. The main purpose is to evaluate the role of digital technologies, such as IoT, big data, and robotics, in improving specific aspects of manufacturing and at the same time producing new value streams in the form of smarter production or improved customer experience. An exploratory research method is used to conduct a literature review of available literature on the adoption of Industry 4.0 by small businesses. Research assumptions show that: There should be major signs of enhancement in productivity, sophistication, and customer relations among small business. Thus, the study emphasizes the use of Big Data technologies to make correct decisions, digital twin for improving the efficiency of production. Still, there are clearly some issues that include initial high cost of installation and integration problems. These implications reveal that electrical equipment manufacturing firms, particularly small firms that are likely to be experiencing challenges of market dynamics, should strategically invest in digital technology that are most likely to grow with the market. In addition, the research calls for the inclusion of technical and managerial perspectives of digital transformation in order to capture the depth of the industry 4.0 technologies.

Keywords : Industry 4.0, Digital Transformation, Value Chain Optimization, Small Businesses, Electrical Equipment Manufacturing, Smart Manufacturing, Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), Sustainability in Manufacturing.

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The application of digital technologies to value chain activities is a critical factor of new-generation manufacturing, particularly within the field of Industry 4.0. Specifically, we focus on type of Industry technologies for electrical equipment manufacturing firms operating in this sector particularly the small businesses. The main purpose is to evaluate the role of digital technologies, such as IoT, big data, and robotics, in improving specific aspects of manufacturing and at the same time producing new value streams in the form of smarter production or improved customer experience. An exploratory research method is used to conduct a literature review of available literature on the adoption of Industry 4.0 by small businesses. Research assumptions show that: There should be major signs of enhancement in productivity, sophistication, and customer relations among small business. Thus, the study emphasizes the use of Big Data technologies to make correct decisions, digital twin for improving the efficiency of production. Still, there are clearly some issues that include initial high cost of installation and integration problems. These implications reveal that electrical equipment manufacturing firms, particularly small firms that are likely to be experiencing challenges of market dynamics, should strategically invest in digital technology that are most likely to grow with the market. In addition, the research calls for the inclusion of technical and managerial perspectives of digital transformation in order to capture the depth of the industry 4.0 technologies.

Keywords : Industry 4.0, Digital Transformation, Value Chain Optimization, Small Businesses, Electrical Equipment Manufacturing, Smart Manufacturing, Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), Sustainability in Manufacturing.

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