The automotive industry is evolving rapidly, and the adoption of Industry 4.0 strategies and technologies plays a crucial role. In Slovakia, a holistic Industry 4.0 maturity model was developed and tailored to suit the automotive industry. This model helps to evaluate the Quality 4.0 adoption and Industry 4.0 strategy of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Tier 1, and Tier 2 suppliers.
Quality 4.0 refers to the use of intelligent technologies to improve product and service quality, thus giving an edge to brands in the market. The integration of Cyber-Physical Systems and the Internet of Things enables the automotive industry to innovate sustainably, responding to changing customer needs. However, the adoption of Industry 4.0 can be challenging, and organizations need a suitable tool to guide them.
The maturity model provides organizations in the automotive industry with a structured approach towards Industry 4.0 excellence. The study conducted used an online questionnaire, which assessed the evolution of six dimensions through five maturity levels and the intensity of intelligent technology adoption. The results obtained showed that OEMs demonstrated the highest maturity levels in most dimensions, while Tier 1 suppliers had achieved the level of Vertical Integrator. Tier 2 suppliers had weaknesses in fragmented IT architecture, isolated applications, low customer focus, and culture that doesn't support cross-functional collaboration.
The study also revealed the training and development needs of these organizations towards Industry 4.0 and intelligent technologies. By identifying areas that require improvement, the research offers a systematic assessment model for organizations in the automotive industry to achieve Industry 4.0 maturity.
However, the sample size of 73 responses limits the generalization of the findings. Future research will try to classify organizations based on the data obtained from respondents. Besides a limitation in sample size, the research underlined the importance of rigorous data analysis for meaningful interpretations. Careful evaluation of the results obtained can influence the content of the manuscript or the publication of study outcomes.
In conclusion, this study highlights the need for a multifaceted approach to address strategic, cultural, and technological issues in the automotive industry. The Industry 4.0 maturity model can be used to guide organizations in the automotive industry to adopt intelligent technologies and improve their Quality 4.0 adoption. This can help them distinguish their brands in the market and compete with other organizations in the industry.
Authors
Sütőová, A., Šooš, Ľ., & Kóča, F. (2020). Learning needs determination for industry 4.0 maturity development in automotive organisations in Slovakia. Quality Innovation Prosperity, 24(3), 122-139. https://doi.org/10.12776/qip.v24i3.1521