Abstract:

It is important for businesses to keep up with the Industry 4.0 and to adapt their manufacturing systems to new technologies so that they can maintain their competitive edge in global markets. However, since these components are developing so fast, it is crucial for companies to be aware of Industry 4.0 for making on time transition to new technologies. Within the scope of the study, research evaluates the awareness of Industry 4.0, the Industry 4.0 applications and the Industry 4.0 perspective of SMEs in the manufacturing sector in Eskisehir. The components of Industry 4.0 are defined as robots, simulation, software integration, internet of things, cyber security, cloud systems, additive manufacturing, enriched reality, big data analysis, artificial intelligence, smart production and cyber physical systems. In the first part of the survey awareness of Industry 4.0, in the second part, Industry 4.0 components applied by the companies, in the last part, their perspective of Industry 4.0 are measured. While the awareness of SMEs in the manufacturing sector in Eskisehir is enhanced, Industry 4.0 technologies being used are inadequate. SMEs plan to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies in medium and long term. In this transition process, investment cost is the biggest problem for SMEs. Also, SMEs don’t have adequate information about Industry 4.0. During cyber security, cloud systems and simulation components have higher rates; internet of things, cyber physical systems, enriched reality and artificial intelligence have lower rates. SMEs needs collaborations in order to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies. Also medium and long term Industry 4.0 strategies should be developed.

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