An Analytical Framework for Analysing Barriers for the Implementation of Industry 4.0

This research paper explores the difficulties linked to incorporating Industry 4.0 technologies into the manufacturing sector, focusing specifically on the iron and steel manufacturing segment in a developing economy. By conducting an extensive literature review and engaging with industry experts, this study has identified twenty-seven obstacles inhibiting the realization of I4.0. We further segregate these obstacles into eight significant barriers based on their similarity, uniqueness, and applicability to the Indian business scenario. These barriers are analyzed using the DEMATEL approach to understand the cause-and-effect relationships among the barriers and obtain the barrier mitigation priority. The findings reveal that the ‘Lack of operational and security standards’ followed by ‘insufficient financial strength,’ ‘inadequate infrastructure,’ and ‘limited Industry 4.0 competition’ are the most prominent barriers that significantly hamper the implementation of I4.0 in the Indian ISMS. The research content and the findings provided in the research will help industry practitioners and policy-makers understand the barriers the iron and steel manufacturing sector (ISMS) of a developing economy, specifically India, faces in the implementation of I4.0 technologies. In addition, this research will provide guidelines for developing key performance indicators and benchmark procedures for strategizing the available resources and capability development to attain I4.0 capacity in the organization. This study is one of the first to address Industry 4.0 implementation barriers in Indian manufacturing, emphasizes the importance of addressing these obstacles and the absence of coordinated national policies to foster Industry 4.0 adoption, offering valuable insights for decision-makers and industry stakeholders.