SMEs and Industry 4.0 – Introducing a KPI based Procedure Model to identify Focus Areas in Manufacturing Industry

Abstract

Currently a paradigm shift in manufacturing industry is claimed. Driven by economic problems Industry 4.0 is hoped for being the solution to bringing back manufacturing to western economies. But especially SMEs tend to wait and see how this trend is developing. What is missing is a clear elaboration of Industry 4.0 specifically for SMEs. This paper elaborates the problems of SMEs with Industry 4.0 that mainly can be related to inherent characteristics like lack of resources. A procedure model is introduced, that mainly consists of 3 steps starting with an analysis of the status quo, where relevant data is gathered. Then KPIs are calculated that should further help to identify focus areas. Finally a decision based on the KPIs has to be made regarding the first steps towards Industry 4.0. This paper introduces the procedure model as well as a first draft of a criteria catalogue for deviating relevant KPIs.

Keywords

• industry 4.0
• investment need identification
• small and medium-sized enterprises