Impact of technology on the generation of Industry 4.0 in SMEs: Diagnostic study in companies of the City of Puebla

Abstract

The growing trend in technological innovation, the implementation of new manufacturing models and the generation of efficient production techniques have caused the term Industry 4.0 to be included in the 21st century, a key aspect in Mexican SMEs that represent 98% of economic units, if they want to increase their competitiveness and productivity. In this research, the influence of technology was analyzed, under the headings of the internet of things, artificial intelligence and digital twins, in the generation of Industry 4.0 in SMEs established in the municipality of Puebla, with the objective of determining the scope that these elements have in the areas of competitiveness and implementation. A cross-sectional non-experimental research design was used since none of the variables were manipulated during the study and they were measured at a single moment. It had a correlational level that associated the Industry 4.0 and technology variables, and it had an explanatory character because it presented an understanding of the phenomenon studied. Among the main findings, it was detected that technology has a relevant influence on the generation of Industry 4.0, in aspects of the operating conditions that include technological infrastructure and the application and implementation of intelligent technologies. While advanced production techniques have limited influence on the aforementioned concept, in the sense that it is only implemented in the use of technology in the processes of transforming inputs into finished products.