Leveraging I4.0 Readiness Assessment to Drive Digital Pilots and Productivity Enhancement: The Case of a Large Manufacturing Firm

Premaratne Samaranayake; Krishnamurthy Ramanathan; Khanh Ngo Cong; Samanthi Kumari Weerabahu; Yi-Chen Lan; Quan Tran Ha Minh

doi:10.53941/osci.2026.100006

Abstract

This research examines how an Industry 4.0 (I4.0) readiness assessment can inform the development of a digital transformation roadmap for smart manufacturing, while accounting for firm-level challenges, drivers and readiness conditions. The single case study approach involved I4.0 readiness assessment and analysis of inputs from cross-functional teams and experts. The firm’s digital transformation roadmap is based on the prioritisation of key areas for the I4.0 adoption, supported through an I4.0 readiness assessment and inputs from intra-firm/external experts. The analysis revealed that prioritised key interventions are required across Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Furthermore, mapping process-related areas and influencing factors enabled the identification of targeted pilot projects and innovation opportunities that align with the organisation’s digitalisation journey from computerisation to adaptability. This research advances theoretical understanding of digital transformation by integrating perspectives on phased transformation, demonstrating how process and technology-oriented evaluation co-constitute one another across sequential stages of transformation. The key limitation is that the study is based on a single ‘revelatory’ case study, which limits the generalisability of findings. This study provides guidance for manufacturing firms in emerging economies to develop a digital transformation roadmap using I4.0 readiness assessment outcomes, combined with expert inputs.

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