Transformation from Steelworks 3.0 to Steelworks 4.0: Key Technologies of Industry 4.0 and their Usefulness for Polish Steelworks in Direct Research

Purpose: Based on the knowledge of steel producers in Poland (results of field research), this publication presents the degree of knowledge of respondents about key technologies of Industry 4.0 and their usefulness for the steel sector in Poland. Design/Methodology/Approach: In field research was used a questionnaire. The research subjects (fields) were keys enabling technologies (KETs): Internet of Things (IoT) with other solutions, Big Data with analytics, advanced simulation, cloud computing and cognitive computing, cyber physical systems (CPS), autonomous systems, universal integration and connected enterprises, , additive manufacture with printing 3D, augmented reality and real-time deliveries. Steel producers have knowledge of Industry 4.0 technologies. Information and communications technology (ICT) are well known by them. The technologies help them to achieve the integration with co-operators in the supply chain (end to end engineering). Of the key technologies of Industry 4.0, they also well know cloud computing and additive manufacturing with 3D printing. On the basis of the analysis performed, a statistically significant monotonic positive correlation (i.e. increasing dependence) between the level of awareness of individual pillars of the Industry 4.0 concept and the level of awareness of the Industry 4.0 concept was found in the producers group. Findings: In the research field of technology usefulness in metallurgy, additive manufacturing received the highest marks (rank 1), followed by integrative systems/ ICT (rank 2), and real-time deliveries (rank 3). Practical Implications: The present results suggest that steelworks in Poland are in the transformation process from steelwork 3.0 to steelworks 4.0. Originality/Value: The presented research is part of a larger own study of the degree of transformation of steelworks 3.0 to steelworks 4.0.