Publication Type
Conference Proceeding Article
Version
publishedVersion
Publication Date
11-2020
Abstract
Industry 4.0 encompasses adopting opportunities from end-to-end digitalisation with connected computers and increasingly autonomous automation systems equipped with intelligent machine learning algorithms that control the robotics without much input from humans. Smart manufacturing technologies (a part of the smart industry, an extension of Industry 4.0 initiatives and implementation) involve automating various processes. It aims to connect various units in real-time while enhancing profitability by reducing costs, increasing labour productivity, and improving overall efficiency. The impetus for our paper is the assumption that the adoption of smart manufacturing technologies such as advanced robotics, cyber-physical systems, or the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to be a challenge for Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) manufacturing firms in Singapore. Industry 4.0 adoption issues include significant capital investment, developing technical skills, recruiting new talent, re-skilling of the workforce, training needs, top management support, etc. But the traditional manufacturing model is fast evolving. Ultimately, adopting the right enabling technologies in a phased manner with proper planning remains a critical factor for the success of Industry 4.0 initiatives. This paper contributes to the minimal Asian management literature about Industry 4.0 matters in SMEs by interviewing eight key experts who are very knowledgeable about the subject matter. The qualitative study sheds light on the drivers and barriers to better understand current business dynamics, potential issues, focus areas, and initiatives to smoothen this implementation, to help catapult local manufacturers to the next level. A structured questionnaire was designed based on the current body of knowledge to conduct qualitative semi-structured interviews with key specialists and decision-makers across Government agencies, Institutes of Higher Learnings (IHL's), suppliers/providers of Industry 4.0 technology, business associations, and the SME sector. The analysis of the interviews suggests that factors or drivers such as technology push by the Government with robust funding and training support, skilled labour shortages including imported labour dependence, productivity and efficiency issues, the pressure to innovate business models due to increased competition, and the impact of Covid-19 are propelling SMEs to adopt Industry 4.0. Some of the barriers include high investment costs and return on investment concerns, capability concerns, mindset issues, and lack of ecosystem concerns. The extent to which local SMEs are ready for Industry 4.0 will be further examined during the 2nd phase of the research project.
Keywords
Industry 4.0, Smart Manufacturing, SMEs, Small and medium enterprises, Qualitative, Business Model Innovation, Barriers to Adoption, Singapore
Discipline
Asian Studies | Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations | Organizational Behavior and Theory | Technology and Innovation
Research Areas
Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources
Publication
19th International WWW/Internet Conference ICWI 2020: November 18-20, Virtual: Proceedings
First Page
51
Last Page
60
ISBN
9789898704238
Publisher
IADIS Press
City or Country
Singapore
Embargo Period
6-8-2021
Citation
SURIANARAYANAN, Gopalakrishnan and MENKHOFF, Thomas.
Outcomes of an expert survey: Are Singapore’s manufacturing small and medium enterprises ready to embrace industry 4.0. (2020). 19th International WWW/Internet Conference ICWI 2020: November 18-20, Virtual: Proceedings. 51-60.
Available at: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/lkcsb_research/6726
Copyright Owner and License
Authors
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Included in
Asian Studies Commons, Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Commons, Organizational Behavior and Theory Commons, Technology and Innovation Commons