ANALYSIS OF SUPPLY CHAIN CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTATION OF INDUSTRY 4.0 FOR TEXTILE SECTOR

Abstract

The integration of I4.0 technology into the textile sector brings revolutionary opportunities that promise to increase efficiency, flexibility and competitiveness. However, the implementation of I4.0 in the textile supply chain faces many challenges. This thesis aims to identify the key SC challenges faced when implementing I4.0 in the textile sector, focusing on the interaction between processes, technologies and stakeholders. Through literature review and discussions with experts the challenges were found to be of operational, organizational and human factors. Operational challenges include interoperability issues between different systems, cybersecurity issues, and the high cost of technology and upgrades. Organizational challenges include resistance to change, lack of digital planning and the need for significant investment in infrastructure. Human factors include skills gaps, employee performance, and the need for cultural change to embrace digitalization. The challenges have been analysed using a hybrid model of Best Worst Method and DEMATEL (Decision making trial and evaluation laboratory) to give ranking to the challenges by weightage assigning and classifying them into cause-and-effect groups respectively. Resolving the challenges of industry 4.0 can facilitate informed decision making and strategic planning and by addressing these issues, stakeholders can successfully transition to I4.0 and achieve sustainable growth and competitiveness.