Assessment of the readiness and maturity for Industry 4.0 adoption in Indian automobile industries

Purpose: This paper addresses the urgent need to comprehensively assess the preparedness of the Indian automobile industry for adopting Industry 4.0 technologies, a critical imperative for sustaining global competitiveness in one of the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive sectors. The study introduces the Maturity Assessment and Readiness for Industry 4.0 in the Indian Automobile Industry (MARI-IA) Scale, offering a novel contribution to the scientific discourse on this vital issue.Literature Review: The existing literature review underscores the scarcity of tailored tools specifically designed to evaluate Industry 4.0 readiness in the distinctive context of the Indian automotive industry. Methodology: To bridge this gap, the paper employs a survey methodology involving 55 participants from 14 diverse organisations, spanning original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), supplier industries, and service centers. The chosen research object is these organisations, strategically selected to represent the spectrum of the industry. Utilising the MARI-IA Scale, the study systematically assesses maturity and readiness across five pivotal dimensions: Vision, Machines, Practices, Products, and People. Results: The findings reveal discernible variations in readiness levels, with OEMs exhibiting the highest preparedness, followed by supplier and service industries. Large-scale industries consistently outperform their medium, small, and micro-scale counterparts, indicating a pronounced scale-dependent disparity. Notably, the 'People' dimension garnered the highest rating, suggesting an existing readiness for skill enhancement initiatives and heightened customer awareness initiatives. In contrast, the 'Vision' dimension is rated the lowest, signalling a pressing need for increased strategic commitment and top management involvement in implementing Industry 4.0 initiatives. Value: The empirical analysis conducted substantiates the relevance and applicability of the MARI-IA Scale in effectively evaluating ndustry 4.0 readiness in the unique context of the Indian automobile industry. Beyond a mere assessment tool, the results of this study carry significant practical implications for stakeholders, offering a roadmap for enhancing Industry 4.0 preparedness and maintaining a competitive edge in the global automotive landscape. This research is a foundational resource for scholars, industry practitioners, and policymakers navigating the dynamic landscape of Industry 4.0 adoption in the Indian automobile sector.