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Implementation of an Industry 4.0 Strategy Adapted to Manufacturing SMEs: Simulation and Case Study

Author

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  • Marc-Antoine Roy

    (Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Québec in Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada)

  • Georges Abdul-Nour

    (Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Québec in Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada)

  • Sébastien Gamache

    (Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Québec in Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada)

Abstract

Quebec’s small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing field are facing a major challenge: implementing a successful digital transformation in an increasingly competitive world, with a labor shortage and customer demand for highly customized products. Technology is a leading solution for improving competitiveness. However, the tools and subsidies available offer little in terms of results for these companies, which have neither the prerequisites nor the resources to successfully carry out their digital transformation. This research aims to develop an adapted Industry 4.0 strategy for manufacturing SMEs reorienting themselves toward mass customization. It seeks to demonstrate that agility and modular design are prerequisites, and it advocates for individual assessments as success factors. The research presents the development of such a strategy for manufacturing SMEs. A case study in the form of action research, combined with a simulation-based experimental design based on a sample of one Quebec manufacturing SME, serves to validate the implementation of the adapted strategy. This research emphasizes the importance of lean, agility and modular design concepts and of individual assessment for successful Industry 4.0 implementation in SMEs. Future research could systematize modularity management in the Industry 4.0 era to boost SME competitiveness.

Suggested Citation

  • Marc-Antoine Roy & Georges Abdul-Nour & Sébastien Gamache, 2023. "Implementation of an Industry 4.0 Strategy Adapted to Manufacturing SMEs: Simulation and Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-23, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:21:p:15423-:d:1270312
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Gosling, Jonathan & Naim, Mohamed M., 2009. "Engineer-to-order supply chain management: A literature review and research agenda," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 122(2), pages 741-754, December.
    2. Guilherme Luz Tortorella & Diego Fettermann, 2018. "Implementation of Industry 4.0 and lean production in Brazilian manufacturing companies," International Journal of Production Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 56(8), pages 2975-2987, April.
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