Flexibility of operations in developing countries with Industry 4.0. A systematic review of literature

Abstract

Paper aims

To provide guidelines on current state of the literature on aspects related to the implementation of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) for operations flexibility in emerging economies, and derived from this, propose a conceptual framework for the analysis of the main topics studied.

Originality

Based on previous literature reviews on related topics (I4.0 and flexibility), we recognized an opportunity to focus on developing countries which until now has not been documented.

Research method

We carried out a systematic review of the literature together with a topic cluster analysis.

Main findings

The study revealed that there is a perceived consensus on how Industry 4.0 technologies can impact flexibility in emerging countries. Cloud computing is by far the most adopted technology despite the fact that there is a wide concern about security issues. The use of other technologies and their impact appears to be incipient.

Implications for theory and practice

The study presented here can be used as a starting point for new directions of research in terms of adoption of these technologies and new applications developed and/or customized to the realities of emerging countries.

Keywords
Industry 4.0; Developing countries; Flexibility; Supply chain; Enterprises