Mazovia 4.0 Industry

The State of Transformation towards Industry 4.0 within Companies in Mazovia

Task

The research aimed to assess the state of transformation towards Industry 4.0 within companies in Mazovia. It focused on evaluating the current level of implementation of Industry 4.0 solutions, identifying the needs of companies undergoing this transformation, and presenting trends and future prospects for industry development. Additionally, the study examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on companies’ capacity to adapt to Industry 4.0.

Solution

The research comprised several stages: a literature review on Industry 4.0, an analysis of databases from the Central Statistical Office (GUS) and Eurostat, and in-depth interviews with 20 Industry 4.0 experts. It also included an analysis of companies in Mazovia based on the region’s territorial divisions and a CATI survey involving 903 companies. Three development scenarios for Industry 4.0—optimistic, moderate, and pessimistic—were formulated, and a Delphi survey with 21 experts was conducted to evaluate these scenarios. Finally, a 4CF Matrix analysis identified the most promising Industry 4.0 solutions.

Effect

The research revealed that the transformation towards Industry 4.0 in Mazovia is still at an early stage, with most companies yet to commence the process. The primary barrier identified was the low level of knowledge and awareness of Industry 4.0 among Mazovian companies. The study also found that the COVID-19 pandemic did not significantly affect the adaptation process. However, the research successfully pinpointed key digital and organisational solutions that could expedite the transformation in Mazovian companies. These include cybersecurity solutions, electronic documentation systems, distributed sensor systems (IoT), digital data management platforms, and virtual enterprise models (digital twins). Additionally, the importance of strategic analysis and comprehensive process mapping within companies was emphasised for ensuring a successful transformation. Recommendations were also formulated for both companies and the authorities of the Mazowieckie Voivodeship to facilitate the transition of Mazovian companies to Industry 4.0.