The Interplay Between Industry 4.0 Technologies and Business Performance: Evidence From a Multiple Case Study in the Automotive Sector

Several automotive industry players are investing in the implementation of Industry 4.0 (I4.0). However, the adoption of I4.0 technologies in automotive supply chains (SCs) is still not uniform, which limits the value creation of advanced technologies. In particular, suppliers, which play a crucial role in the automotive SC, often struggle in their I4.0 projects. Since their adoption of I4.0 technologies can significantly impact the overall performance and value creation within the SC, it is crucial to gain insights into actions and strategies that can support suppliers’ I4.0 implementations. Building on a multiple case study approach, this article aims at providing guidance to prospective I4.0 adopters by investigating the organizational-level actions that support I4.0 projects, the financial capital and KPIs typically used by suppliers, and the resulting impact of I4.0 technology implementation on business performance. Evidence shows that the planning stage of I4.0 initiatives, from the organizational-level actions to the investment strategy, is a complex and strategic stage for ensuring success. Equally important are the external collaborations, which ensure that firms are in line with technological innovation and market needs. Finally, results show that the implementation of more advanced I4.0 technologies is correlated with a more robust improvement in business performance.