Investigating the Relationship between Industry 4.0 and Productivity: A Conceptual Framework for Malaysian Manufacturing Firms

Abstract

Previous studies in Malaysia concerning Industry 4.0 focused mainly on cloud manufacturing, advanced robotics and intelligent manufacturing. Field studies conducted were focusing predominantly on the beverage and electrical equipment industry. Industry 4.0 is considered as a new industrial revolution. In contrast to the previous publications, the purpose of this conceptual paper is to provide a conceptual framework for further studies to be conducted in Malaysia identifying the relationship between Industry 4.0 key technologies and productivity. Wide field studies concerning Industry 4.0 and productivity of Malaysian manufacturing firms are still lacking. The paper describes briefly the key technologies of Industry 4.0 and ranks them according to the absolute frequency stated in the literature. The developed research questions concern the relationship between productivity and Industry 4.0 technologies. Productivity is a key element of competitiveness for manufacturing firms. Hence research about the relationship between Industry 4.0 technologies and productivity is essential for Malaysian manufacturing firms prior implementation of new manufacturing technologies.