University of Twente Student Theses
Exploring the impact of suppliers and customers on the Industry 4.0 implementation process of SMEs using the Smart Industry Maturity Scan (SIMS)
Kiskämper, Paul (2021) Exploring the impact of suppliers and customers on the Industry 4.0 implementation process of SMEs using the Smart Industry Maturity Scan (SIMS).
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| Abstract: | This study investigates the impact of suppliers and customers on the Industry 4.0 implementation process of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) using the Smart Industry Maturity Scan (SIMS). The focus of this study is on interferences regarding the suppliers and customers on the process and how these interferences can be avoided or minimized by using strategies. The fourth industrial revolution is currently changing the markets of small and medium-sized enterprises drastically. The aspects of Industry 4.0, for example, the digitization of production or artificial intelligence and big data are drivers for a complete industry change. Thus, it is important for small and medium-sized enterprises to implement Industry 4.0 to stay competitive in their operating market. At this point, it is important to know to what extent and in which way the suppliers and customers of small and medium-sized enterprises interfere the implementation process. By applying the Smart-Industry- Maturity Scan to two German SMEs, a status-quo regarding their level of integration of Industry 4.0 was drawn. Both companies scored low concerning their Industry 4.0 maturity so a Mini Group workshop was carried out in which the companies responded to questions concerning possible interferences of their suppliers and customers and how the companies could avoid or minimize them by using which kind of strategy. Furthermore, based on the results from the scan as well as from the Mini Group workshop and from literature, recommendations are displayed to help other companies recognizing interferences of their suppliers and customers on the integration process of Industry 4.0 and how to avoid or minimize them in the future. The results of this research can be helpful for all parties in the value chain, SMEs, their suppliers as well as their customers since implementing Industry 4.0 clearly benefits them all. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 85 business administration, organizational science |
| Programme: | International Business Administration BSc (50952) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/86700 |
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