Impact of COVID-19 on various areas of service operation in manufacturing companies: a pilot study

All manufacturers were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. It can be assumed that producers were affected as much as the service operation field (based on company categories). This article aims to ascertain how COVID-19 affected various areas of service operations in manufacturing companies. So far, no literature is available identifying the impact of COVID-19 on various areas of service operations by current manufacturers. An electronic questionnaire was prepared and sent to the manufacturers. The questionnaire was completed by 88 respondents from four selected industrial areas. The findings show no statistically significant differences in the perception of the COVID-19 impact on various areas of service operations in manufacturing companies based on CZ-NACE, the number of employees, the type of customers and the type of services provided to products. However, in the area of the type of services, one statistically significant difference was found in the statement related to increasing interest in engaging in cooperation with suppliers in the field of smart services. Theoretical implication contributes to understanding the impact of COVID-19 on manufacturers in various areas of service operation. First, the research did not reveal any statistically significant difference in manufacturing companies sorted by their CZ-NACE, the number of employees and the predominant customers in the areas of service operations. It can be considered that the companies were hit by COVID-19 very similarly. Second, the research revealed statistically significant differences in the area of processing results according to the type of services, and in this case, only in the area of increasing interest in engaging in the cooperation with suppliers in the field of smart services. From a managerial viewpoint, this paper contributes to the field of impact of COVID-19 on areas of service operation in manufacturing companies.