INDUSTRY 4.0 ADOPTION FRAMEWORK IN MSMES USING A HYBRID FUZZY AHP-TOPSIS APPROACH

Abstract

This work presents an outline for adopting industry 4.0 enabling technologies, and appropriate strategies are prioritized to implement them. A hybrid fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) approaches are applied to achieve the objectives. The enabling technologies and strategies were identified based on the literature review and expert’s opinions, a total of 26 enabling technologies and eight strategies were identified. Later fuzzy AHP technique is used to rank the enablers and TOPSIS is applied to order the implementation strategies. From 26 enablers, a total of ten enabling technologies were found to be the most effective. Artificial intelligence (AI), top management commitment and support, virtual reality, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems were the top-ranked enablers in the list, whereas edge computing was the least effective enabler. Among the strategies, lean manufacturing, green supply chain and logistics, and integrated and smart manufacturing systems were the top priorities in implementing industry 4.0, while recruiting and managing talents was the least important strategy in the study. The findings from this framework will provide a deep insight to the managers and practitioners of MSMEs to adopt the industry 4.0 technologies in their organizations