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1. Quick value overview
1.1 Interesting because
When Industry 4.0 technologies are applied, they often need to be combined with Lean manufacturing concepts. However, many companies, in particular SMEs, struggle with Industry 4.0 implementations because the combination with Lean is not clear. This study integrates the concepts of Lean and Industry 4.0 by examining the related technology adoption patterns in six types of industrial sectors. This leads to six technology networks. An example is shown in Figure 1. The proposed framework applies these technology networks for prioritizing technology adoption in manufacturing firms.
1.2 Theoretical value
Previous research has shown that there is a high variation in the literature in listing the Industry 4.0 enabling technologies for adoption. IoT, big data and cloud computing are among the few widely accepted. Furthermore, it has been suggested that applying technologies together, while integrating them with Lean manufacturing tools, has the best potential to create competitive advantage. While maturity models exist that provide paths for technological development, these generally do not include both Industry 4.0 and Lean Manufacturing concepts. This study advances the theory by measuring this integration and combining it with network theory. It was found that distinct patterns of adoption can be seen in different industry contexts.
1.3 Practical value
The technology networks are data-based visual tools that highlight the adoption levels of 30 manufacturing technologies, methods and tools, which can be used to benchmark technology adoption in different industrial segments. Moreover, the framework offers a practical and efficient approach to support practicing manufacturing managers in identifying and prioritizing investment opportunities in the related technologies. Thus, the framework can also support the creation of digital transformation roadmaps under Industry 4.0, while considering the integration with Lean manufacturing tools.
2. Introduction
The fast pace of technological development is causing profound changes in the way of living and working, in addition to impacting all areas of knowledge, economies and industries (MDIC and MCTIC, 2016). It can be argued that Industry 4.0 technologies, also described as digital manufacturing and smart manufacturing technologies, have a major role in this regard, as they are attracting increasing attention across global manufacturing setups (Kumar et al., 2022). Moreover, it is possible to notice that many companies, especially in industrial sectors, seek to apply...