Key Industry 4.0 organisational capability prioritisation towards organisational transformation

Abstract

Industry 4.0 aids organisational transformation powered by innovative technologies and connectivity. In addition to navigating complex Industry 4.0 concepts and characteristics, organisations must also address organisational consequences related to fast-paced organisational transformation and resource efficacy. The optimal allocation of organisational resources and capabilities to large transformational programs, as well as the significant capital investment associated with digital transformation, compel organisations to prioritize their efforts. Hence, this study investigates how key Industry 4.0 organisational capabilities could be prioritized towards organisational digital transformation. Data were collected from 49 participants who had completed a questionnaire containing 26 statement actions aligned to sensing, seizing, transforming and supporting organisational capability domains. By analysing the data, statement actions were prioritized and operationalized into a prototyped checklist. Two organisations applied the prototyped checklist, illustrating unique profiles and transformative actions. The operationalisation of the checklist highlighted its utility in establishing where an organisation operates in terms of digital transformation, as well as what additional steps might be followed to improve its capability prioritisation based on low checklist scores. By understanding the prioritisation of Industry 4.0 capabilities, organisations could ensure that resources are allocated optimally for business value creation based on organisational capabilities prioritisation.