Industry 4.0 collaborative networks for industrial performance
Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management
ISSN: 1741-038X
Article publication date: 11 November 2020
Issue publication date: 23 February 2021
Abstract
Purpose
Although prior studies have identified several technologies related to Industry 4.0 and their individual potential, it is still unclear how these technologies could be integrated to achieve better results. Based on this, we propose several collaborative networks combining technologies associated with Industry 4.0.
Design/methodology/approach
A literature review was performed using a research model to support the evaluation and identification of key and collaborative technologies related to Industry 4.0. We examined these technologies using hierarchical cluster analysis and principal components analysis, based on their characteristics.
Findings
The study identified big data, cloud computing, the internet of Things and cyber-physical systems as key technologies for Industry 4.0, and a further eight collaborative technologies that are strongly related to industrial performance. We found five collaborative networks with distinct goals in the context of Industry 4.0: (1) smart manufacturing; (2) technological platforms; (3) market reactiveness; (4) smart products and (5) flexibility.
Practical implications
The findings allowed us to create five pathways for future work on Industry 4.0 technologies via collaborative networks. In practice, this will help managers to improve their focus on priorities regarding the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies.
Originality/value
This study provides insights into how to establish links between technologies through collaborative networks for certain purposes. In addition, we propose five future directions for these collaborative networks that require further investigation by researchers.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This study was financed in part by the Coordenação de Aper‐ feiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior ‐ Brasil (CAPES) ‐ Finance Code 001 was supported by a research grant of CAPES −Brazil (CAPES process No. 88887.464876/2019-00).
Citation
Dos Santos, L.M.A.L., da Costa, M.B., Kothe, J.V., Benitez, G.B., Schaefer, J.L., Baierle, I.C. and Nara, E.O.B. (2021), "Industry 4.0 collaborative networks for industrial performance", Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol. 32 No. 2, pp. 245-265. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMTM-04-2020-0156
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited