Advantages and Barriers of Industry 4.0 Concepts Implementation in Small and Medium Industrial Enterprises

Abstract

In the context of Industry 4.0, processes in industrial production are radically reorganized, including digitalization. The subject of the research is the processes of digitalization of small and medium-sized industrial enterprises. The purpose of the study was to identify the current areas of digitalization and the implementation of Industry 4.0 at industrial SMEs. Based on the bibliographic analysis, it was revealed the need for special research for the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies in SMEs, which will allow to transform them into smart factories. The advantages and limitations for the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies in manufacturing SMEs are highlighted. On the basis of statistical analysis and analysis of indices, the readiness of Russian SMEs for digitalization was assessed; constraining factors, implemented digital technologies, and prospects for entering new markets were identified.