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Operationalization of Critical Success Factors to Manage the Industry 4.0 Transformation of Manufacturing SMEs

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  • Jonathan Brodeur

    (Department of Mathematics and Industrial Engineering, École Polytechnique de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada)

  • Robert Pellerin

    (Department of Mathematics and Industrial Engineering, École Polytechnique de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada)

  • Isabelle Deschamps

    (Department of Mathematics and Industrial Engineering, École Polytechnique de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada)

Abstract

As an increasing number of manufacturing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) tackle their digital transformation toward Industry 4.0, the need for a methodology to manage this transformation, tailored to their particular context, becomes apparent. Since recent studies have identified critical success factors (CSFs) for the Industry 4.0 transformation of manufacturing SMEs, this paper aims to operationalize these CSFs and propose an Industry 4.0 transformation management methodology. This research is based on an extensive literature review on CSFs for Industry 4.0 transformation, followed by a Delphi–Régnier survey with a panel of Industry 4.0 experts. For each CSF, specific actions to perform at different stages of the Industry 4.0 transformation were defined and validated by experts. Based on a proposed Industry 4.0 transformation process, not all CSFs have to be managed at every phase and step of the transformation process. Each CSF must be supported by different actions positioned within each Industry 4.0 transformation process step. The results of this research are particularly relevant for manufacturing SME managers and consultants managing Industry 4.0 transformation. By performing these actions, they can ensure the achievement of multiple CSFs during their digital transformation projects and, thus, ensure their success. This research combines the academic and professional domains by proposing a way for theoretical findings to be translated into clear actions. The proposed model allows all the actors involved in manufacturing SMEs’ digital transformation projects to understand the actions needed to achieve a successful transformation.

Suggested Citation

  • Jonathan Brodeur & Robert Pellerin & Isabelle Deschamps, 2022. "Operationalization of Critical Success Factors to Manage the Industry 4.0 Transformation of Manufacturing SMEs," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-35, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:14:p:8954-:d:868538
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    6. Frédéric Rosin & Pascal Forget & Samir Lamouri & Robert Pellerin, 2022. "Enhancing the Decision-Making Process through Industry 4.0 Technologies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-35, January.
    7. Müller, Ralf & Turner, Rodney, 2007. "The Influence of Project Managers on Project Success Criteria and Project Success by Type of Project," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 25(4), pages 298-309, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Agnieszka A. Tubis & Katarzyna Grzybowska, 2022. "In Search of Industry 4.0 and Logistics 4.0 in Small-Medium Enterprises—A State of the Art Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(22), pages 1-26, November.
    2. Gaffar Hafiz Sagala & Dóra Őri, 2024. "Toward SMEs digital transformation success: a systematic literature review," Information Systems and e-Business Management, Springer, vol. 22(4), pages 667-719, December.
    3. Dandan Wang & Tongfei Yang, 2025. "Research on the Promotion Effect of the Marketization of Data Elements on the Digital Transformation of Manufacturing Enterprises: An Empirical Evaluation of a Multiperiod DID Model," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-23, April.
    4. Katherine Roth & Kambiz Farahmand, 2023. "A Socio-Technical Study of Industry 4.0 and SMEs: Recent Insights from the Upper Midwest," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-19, August.

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