Managing Complexity in Industry 4.0 Based Systems: A Qualitative Analysis

Modelling a System is a challenging task, especially if integration and interoperability between branches, machines, products and people are almost overarching as in Industry 4.0. However, engineering and managerial literature little analyze SMEs’ readiness to handle barriers and complexity in Industry 4.0 based systems. The paper analyzes the perceived barriers faced by manufacturing SMEs adopting Industry 4.0 and the ways to manage complexity in Industry 4.0 based systems. The research is carry out through a focus group and an in-depth interview with selected organizations in Italy and France. The expected findings are that: (1) there are five macro-categories of barriers related to cultural aspects, ecosystems role, firms’ characteristics, human resource management, business model innovation; (2) there are two main unsatisfied needs that limit the benefits of Industry 4.0 adoption. The theoretical contribution of the paper is to open up future research lines both in managerial and engineering literature to identify solutions to these barriers and unsatisfied needs. The paper suggests to managers and policy makers some interesting cues to maximize Industry 4.0 opportunities.