Facilitating SMEs in Adapting and Adopting to the Digital Future PDF Download

Author: Maximilian Wilde
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Languages : en
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Book Description
In recent years, the topic of Industrie 4.0 gained more and more media coverage, popularity and importance. Figure 1 illustrates a trend analysis of Industrie 4.0 and the digital transformation over the past five years, representing the increase of interest in the topic. The concept of Industrie 4.0 was developed in the frame of the High-Tech Strategy of the Federal Government of Germany. Up to now, it is more of a vision of the digital transformation of the economy and the society. The research project mainly focuses on small and medium-sized enterprises (SME), as they bear great potentials and small changes already have great impacts. Additionally, the majority of the scientific research mainly focuses on large enterprises and SMEs are left out. A better understanding of the concept has been developed by having a deeper look into a variety of reports and research projects with regard to Industrie 4.0, its origin and the previous revolutions. Furthermore, the main technical concepts, which are observed as the major enablers for Industrie 4.0 are introduced. It could be identified, that most of the relevant technologies are already known for several decades, however there is a new way of application and combination of the different technologies. In addition, the further developments of the technologies and the framework enabled a broader and more efficient use. Furthermore, ten interviews with a variety of representatives from the industry, interest representatives and academia have been held. This helped, to develop a good insight of their position, understanding and attitude towards the digital transformation. Within the interviews, a variety of challenges and obstacles but also opportunities and potentials could be identified. The challenges are subdivided into external challenges like a required comprehensive legal framework, which can hardly be addressed and changed by the SMEs themselves and internal challenges like a lack of knowhow, which can be addressed and changed by the SMEs. Additionally, several twofold challenges were identified like data and IT security and safety related concerns, which can only be addressed in parts by SMEs. However most of the challenges, when addressed properly, can be turned around into an opportunity. Additionally, a variety of opportunities like the current good economic situation as a driver for innovation, were identified. Next to the challenges and opportunities, the digital transformation also implies a firm assessment of the business model in terms of its potential continuity in the future and change management within SMEs. Most of the identified inhibitors can already be avoided by a certain openness towards change and the willingness, to implement a new digital strategy. It is important to dedicate time to such a project and not to lose focus. Furthermore, there should be tidy and well documented processes since an automation of chaos would not generate any benefits. A recommendation in terms of a consulting model was developed stating several preconditions, which need to be met, to successfully implement an Industrie 4.0 project. It is important to bear the experience of a SME in mind, when approaching them with a project. If they have never heard of the topic in relation with their business, becoming too technical or too advanced, only causes confusion. Thus, a general introduction is required. Developing a digital roadmap in iterative steps with clearly defined and reachable targets is a major enabler for success. Furthermore, it is important to have a digital strategy and prepare the business model for the digital transformation. Considering all the above, it could be identified, that SMEs have good chances and great potentials in the implementation of future technologies, if they have the willingness towards change.