scholarly journals Human-centred design in industry 4.0: case study review and opportunities for future research

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hien Nguyen Ngoc ◽  
Ganix Lasa ◽  
Ion Iriarte
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Sustainable Manufacturing ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Special Unit ◽  
Lessons Learnt ◽  
Research Themes ◽  
Human Centred Design

AbstractThe transition to industry 4.0 has impacted factories, but it also affects the entire value chain. In this sense, human-centred factors play a core role in transitioning to sustainable manufacturing processes and consumption. The awareness of human roles in Industry 4.0 is increasing, as evidenced by active work in developing methods, exploring influencing factors, and proving the effectiveness of design oriented to humans. However, numerous studies have been brought into existence but then disconnected from other studies. As a consequence, these studies in industry and research alike are not regularly adopted, and the network of studies is seemingly broad and expands without forming a coherent structure. This study is a unique attempt to bridge the gap through the literature characteristics and lessons learnt derived from a collection of case studies regarding human-centred design (HCD) in the context of Industry 4.0. This objective is achieved by a well-rounded systematic literature review whose special unit of analysis is given to the case studies, delivering contributions in three ways: (1) providing an insight into how the literature has evolved through the cross-disciplinary lens; (2) identifying what research themes associated with design methods are emerging in the field; (3) and setting the research agenda in the context of HCD in Industry 4.0, taking into account the lessons learnt, as uncovered by the in-depth review of case studies.

scholarly journals Product-service systems evolution in the era of Industry 4.0

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 177-207
Author(s):  
Paolo Gaiardelli ◽  
Giuditta Pezzotta ◽  
Alice Rondini ◽  
David Romero ◽  
Farnaz Jarrahi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Future Scenario ◽  
Product Service ◽  
Economic Transformations ◽  
Value Propositions ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
Product Service Systems

AbstractRecent economic transformations have forced companies to redefine their value propositions, increasing traditional product offerings with supplementary services—the so-called Product-Service System (PSS). Among them, the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies is very common. However, the directions that companies are undertaking to offer new value to their customers in the Industry 4.0 have not yet been investigated in detail. Based on a focus group, this paper contributes to this understanding by identifying the main trajectories that would shape a future scenario in which PSS and Industry 4.0 would merge. In addition, future research directions addressing (a) the transformation of the PSS value chain into a PSS ecosystem, (b) the transformation inside a single company towards becoming a PSS provider, and (c) the digital transformation of the traditional PSS business model are identified.

scholarly journals Industry 4.0 through the lenses of technology, strategy, and organization A compilation of case study evidence

2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (11) ◽  
pp. 14-25
Author(s):  
Krisztina Demeter ◽  
Dávid Losonci ◽  
Róbert Marciniak ◽  
Judit Nagy ◽  
Péter Móricz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Automotive Industry ◽  
Technology Implementation ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Public Information ◽  
Technology Strategy ◽  
Comprehensive Investigation ◽  
Business Services ◽  
Management Literature

In the last few years, the management literature has become noisy with Industry 4.0 (I4.0). Although several concepts and typologies intend to make the phenomenon more understandable, these endeavours generally focus on technological aspects or specific issues. Therefore, integrated approaches of the I4.0 transformation on the business side and a comprehensive investigation of this phenomenon on the academic side are still needed. This paper synthetizes the lessons of 15 case studies from five sectors (automotive, FMCG, logistics services, retail, and business services) and places them in a triadic framework of technology, strategy, and organization. The case studies are based on interviews, internal documents and public information. This paper reveals that the analysed companies focus on I4.0 technologies that are substantially related to the development of core activities. Companies in a highly competitive global environment (e.g., automotive industry and business services) are more prepared and progress faster with I4.0 technology implementation.

Corporate survival in Industry 4.0 era: the enabling role of lean-digitized manufacturing

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morteza Ghobakhloo ◽  
Masood Fathi
Keyword(s):  
Enterprise Resource Planning ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Manufacturing System ◽  
Resource Planning ◽  
Security And Privacy ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Manufacturing Firm ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how small manufacturing firms can leverage their Information Technology (IT) resources to develop the lean-digitized manufacturing system that offers sustained competitiveness in the Industry 4.0 era. Design/methodology/approach The study performs an in-depth five years case study of a manufacturing firm, and reports its journey from failure in the implementation of enterprise resource planning to its success in integrating IT-based technology trends of Industry 4.0 with the firm’s core capabilities and competencies while pursuing manufacturing digitization. Findings Industry 4.0 transition requires the organizational integration of many IT-based modern technologies and the digitization of entire value chains. However, Industry 4.0 transition for smaller manufacturers can begin with digitization of certain areas of operations in support of organizational core strategies. The development of lean-digitized manufacturing system is a viable business strategy for corporate survivability in the Industry 4.0 setting. Research limitations/implications Although the implementation of lean-digitized manufacturing system is costly and challenging, this manufacturing strategy offers superior corporate competitiveness in the long run. Since this finding is rather limited to the present case study, assessing the business value of lean-digitized manufacturing system in a larger scale research context would be an interesting avenue for future research. Practical implications Industry 4.0 transition for typical manufacturers should commensurate with their organizational, operational and technical particularities. Digitization of certain operations and processes, when aligned with the firm’s core strategies, capabilities and procedures, can offer superior competitiveness even in Industry 4.0 era, meaning that the strategic plan for successful Industry 4.0 transition is idiosyncratic to each particular manufacturer. Social implications Manufacturing digitization can have deep social implications as it alters inter- and intra-organizational relationships, causes unemployment among low-skilled workforce, and raises data security and privacy concerns. Manufacturers should take responsibility for their digitization process and steer it in a direction that simultaneously safeguards economic, social and environmental sustainability. Originality/value The strategic roadmap devised and employed by the case company for managing its digitization process can better reveal what manufacturing digitization, mandated by Industry 4.0, might require of typical manufacturers, and further enable them to better facilitate their digital transformation process.

Warehouse configuration in omni-channel retailing: a multiple case study

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (5) ◽  
pp. 509-533
Author(s):  
Joakim Hans Kembro ◽  
Andreas Norrman
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Conceptual Models ◽  
Construction Material ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Consumer Electronics ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Automation Systems ◽  
Multiple Case

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore warehouse configuration in omni-channel retailing. Design/methodology/approach A multiple case study is conducted with six large omni-channel retailers from three different sectors. Findings The study shows an increase in the number, variation and frequency of flows passing through omni-channel warehouses. Along with an increased variety of stock keeping units (including singles vs multipacks), there is an increase in the complexity of planning and coordination of order fulfillment. Retailers test a mix of different solutions for storage and picking and partly shift focus to advanced sorting operations. The companies already have or plan to invest in substantial automation systems, which emphasize the importance of capturing and using accurate master data. Research limitations/implications The study highlights the need to understand the interrelations and co-development of configuration elements in omni-channel warehousing. The findings also suggest that a successful transformation requires increased collaboration with upstream and downstream partners. Conceptual models are developed to illustrate strategies and development paths in omni-channel warehousing, and suggestions for future research are summarized in a research agenda. A research limitation is the focus on Swedish retailers in three sectors (fashion, consumer electronics and DIY/construction material). Future studies can include additional sectors, extend the geographical scope and explore cross-regional differences. Practical implications As one of the few deeper case studies on omni-channel warehousing, practitioners will find new configurations described and analyzed here. Along with conceptual models, a synthesis of challenges and potential solutions are presented to support retailers’ practical analysis and decision making. Originality/value This is one of the first multiple case studies that go deeper into omni-channel warehouse configuration, which is of increasing importance to both scholars and practitioners in the field.

scholarly journals Understanding the organizational critical activities of manufacturers in case studies

2018 ◽  
Vol 185 ◽  
pp. 00022
Author(s):  
Wei-Hsi Hung ◽  
Tsung-Yueh Lu ◽  
Mei-Fang Wu ◽  
Yun-Chen Lin
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Senior Managers ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Internal Operations ◽  
Continuous Activities

Manufacturers tend to carry out certain important and continuous activities with respect to internal operations which could contribute to their success. These activities are termed organization critical activities (OCAs). The main objective of this study is to elicit the OCAs in the manufacturing industry to understand what can cause them to be successful. Through the case study approach including the interviews with the senior managers from three manufacturing companies in Taiwan and a series of prioritizing activities, 12 OCAs have been identified. This study found that Taiwanese manufacturers placed more importance on the activities of quality and cost control while placed relatively less importance on the marketing related activities. More findings and future research suggestions are also provided.

Digital divide in light of religion, gender, and women’s digital participation

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 405-413
Author(s):  
Ruth Tsuria
Keyword(s):  
Digital Divide ◽  
Digital Media ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Theoretical Approach ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Internet Access ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Religious Traditions

Purpose This paper aims to argue for the importance of considering religious and cultural background as informing participant's access and attitudes towards digital media. Design/methodology/approach The paper takes a socio-cultural theoretical approach. In terms of methodology, it refers to case studies based on discourse analysis of online content. Findings The paper argues that the online discourse in the case studies presented discourages women from using digital media for their own empowerment. Research limitations/implications Some limitation include that this research focuses only on a case study from Judaism. Future research should examine how other religious traditions impact internet access and uses. Originality/value The paper's contribution is in its novel inclusion of religion as an element of the digital divide.

Meta-analysis of U.S. intermediated food markets: Measuring what matters

2016 ◽  
Vol 118 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Blake E. Angelo ◽  
Becca B.R. Jablonski ◽  
Dawn Thilmany
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Value Chains ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Food Value ◽  
Study Development

Purpose A body of literature and case studies has developed as part of the reporting, outreach and evaluation of the local and regional food system projects supported by grants and other funders. Yet, there is concern that food value chains are promoted without adequately evaluating the viability of these businesses, or how these markets affect the performance and welfare of key stakeholders: farm vendors and local communities/economies. Design/methodology/approach This paper reviews and summarizes a comprehensive set of U.S.-based case studies focused on food value chains. We conduct a meta-analysis to systematically capture what available case study evidence tells us about: 1) trends in the viability of food value chain businesses; 2) the impact of these businesses on participating farm vendors; and, 3) the associated community economic development outcomes (framed in terms of ‘wealth creation’). Findings In addition to sharing findings from the meta-analysis, we demonstrate how the lack of standardized protocols for case study development is a barrier to learning about metric comparisons, best practices, and what impacts these food value chain businesses may have. We conclude with some recommendations of how the field can move forward to evaluate and share lessons learned using more uniform, project-driven case study development. Originality/value This is the first study to conduct a systematic meta-analysis of U.S. food value chain businesses.

scholarly journals Implementation of industry 4.0 to achieve sustainable manufacturing in steel industry: a case study

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Pradeep Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Steel Industry ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Manufacturing Sector ◽  
Sustainable Manufacturing ◽  
Agile Manufacturing ◽  
The One ◽  
The Internet Of Things

Sustainable manufacturing has been a popular topic of research for quite some time now. There are various concepts and ideas which have claimed to have a significant impact on sustainability of the manufacturing industry like lean, green and agile manufacturing. Industry 4.0 is the latest and by far the one with the maximum potential of changing the manufacturing sector forever. It is rightly called as “the fourth industrial revolution”. It is a wide concept which covers many state of the art technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Augmented reality etc. But like every big revolution, it is to face many challenges also. In this review, we are looking at this ‘yet in infancy’ concept and its role in achieving a sustainable manufacturing sector as discussed by researchers. Different scholars have come up with different challenges to implementation of I4.0 which they thought to be of some significance. There is going to  review such challenges making a list of 13 such challenges. Then, it also throw some light on the new challenge faced by all of humanity in the form of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and how it is affecting the manufacturing sector.

scholarly journals How do industry 4.0 technologies influence organisational change? An empirical analysis of Italian SMEs

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Cimini ◽  
Albachiara Boffelli ◽  
Alexandra Lagorio ◽  
Matteo Kalchschmidt ◽  
Roberto Pinto
Keyword(s):  
Technology Implementation ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Organisational Change ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Job Profile

PurposeThis article aims to investigate the organisational implications of adopting Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies, giving specific attention to operations. The paper addresses these implications in two directions: organisational prerequisites for, and consequences of, I4.0 technologies.Design/methodology/approachThe research is based on a multiple case study of Italian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in manufacturing. Ten case studies have been developed through interviews, company visits and secondary data collection.FindingsThe multiple case study results show that: (1) a lean organisational structure supports effective adoption of I4.0 technologies; (2) introducing such technologies is linked to developing a new kind of job profile (i.e. the “Autonomous Operative Job Profile”); and (3) higher levels of technology adoption create a higher need for non-technical competences.Research limitations/implicationsA limitation of this research relates to the highly heterogeneous maturity levels of the sampled companies, due to the relative newness of the I4.0 paradigm. Future research could, therefore, longitudinally analyse the technology integration process within organisations.Practical implicationsThis research provides preliminary evidence about how organisations and technologies co-evolve, thus suggesting that managers should co-design these areas. It also demonstrates the extreme importance of designing a structured process and a clear set of human resource management tools to favour SME organisational development.Originality/valueThe study is built upon a conceptual framework derived from the sociotechnical perspective that analyses the interconnections between technology implementation and organisational change. From the results, three research propositions are derived to be tested on a larger scale.

E-Platform Enabled Transnational E-Entrepreneurship

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 0-0
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Home Country ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem ◽  
Digital Ecosystems ◽  
Entrepreneurship Research ◽  
Related Literature ◽  
Research Themes ◽  
Process Theories ◽  
Cross Country

This paper examines transnational e-entrepreneurs enabled by e-platforms through the lens of entrepreneurship process theories. The authors argue that transnational e-entrepreneurs engaging in necessity-driven e-entrepreneurship have been neglected in current related literature. This paper first proposes that transnational e-entrepreneurship research should be conducted in a framework of cross-country e-entrepreneurial ecosystem that combines host- and home-country entrepreneurial ecosystems and digital ecosystems. Then the framework was tested by case studies and proved to be valid. The paper found that e-platforms enabled necessity-driven transnational entrepreneurs to operate in the same manner with opportunity-drive entrepreneurship. The authors also conclude future research themes for transnational e-entrepreneurship study should separate necessity-driven and opportunity-driven entrepreneurs. It suggests the policymaker needs to emphasize necessity-driven e-entrepreneurs.

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