Exploring Industry 4.0 technologies as drivers of lean implementation in SMEs using COPRAS

Abstract

Purpose

This paper uses the complex proportionality assessment (COPRAS) method to examine the driving factors of Industry 4.0 (I4) technologies for lean implementation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting I4 technology is imperative for SMEs seeking to maintain competitiveness within the manufacturing sector. A thorough understanding of the driving factors involved is required to support the implementation of I4. For this objective, the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) tool COPRAS was used to efficiently analyze and rank these driving elements based on their importance. These factors can help small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) prioritize their efforts and investments in I4 technologies for lean implementation.

Findings

This study evaluates and prioritizes the nine I4 factors according to the perceptions of SMEs. The ranking offers significant insights into the factors SMEs consider more accessible and effective when adopting I4 technologies.

Originality/value

The author's original contribution is to examine I4 driving factors for lean implementation in SMEs using COPRAS.

Citation

Thekkoote, R. (2024), "Exploring Industry 4.0 technologies as drivers of lean implementation in SMEs using COPRAS", The TQM Journal, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/TQM-03-2023-0074