An Initial Framework for Implementation of Industry 4.0 in the High Technological Manufacturing Sector in Southern California
Abstract The fourth industrial revolution, also known as Industry 4.0 is a new paradigm that is significantly influencing several manufacturing industries across the globe. Industry 4.0 synchronizes concepts such as Smart Manufacturing, Smart Factory, and the Internet of Things with existing factory automation technologies in order to improve value in manufacturing by monitoring key performance indicators and creates value in all manufacturing related aspects. Currently, several industries have started early initiatives of implementing these technologies. As the industries are evaluating their readiness for implementing the Industry 4.0 concepts, there are several challenges which need to be addressed including high initial investment, lack of standardization, data security and lack of skilled labor. A strategic roadmap towards implementing the Industry 4.0 paradigms is still unclear in the industry as well as in academia. This research develops an initial framework for the effective implementation of Industry 4.0 in the high technology manufacturing sectors in the Southern California region. The results of this study are expected to provide a platform to expand the opportunities of Industry 4.0 further and facilitate worldwide adoption.