Enhancing Small and Medium OEMs’ Adoption of IIoT Technologies

Small and Medium Original Equipment Manufacturers (SME OEMs) face challenges of high initial costs, lack of skilled workforce, data security concerns, and limited infrastructure for IIoT implementation. This research explores the crucial factors influencing the successful integration of Industry Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies into products and processes of SME OEMs. The study investigates the impact of IIOT Manufacturers’ operational and business support, training effectiveness, and awareness of benefits on SME OEMs’ adoption intention of IIoT solutions. A survey was conducted among 263 firms operating in 103 different equipment manufacturing operations across 67 cities, representing 11 industry sectors. The participants were SME OEMs, and data were collected to assess the influence of various factors on their willingness to adopt IIoT technologies. The study revealed significant insights into adopting IIoT solutions among SME OEMs. Training provided by IIoT manufacturers was found to have the most substantial impact on the adoption intention. Moreover, awareness of benefits and business and operational support had an equal and notable influence on the adoption intention of SME OEMs. These findings underline the importance of effective training programs and comprehensive support from IIoT manufacturers in facilitating successful IIoT integration. The study’s outcomes emphasize the value of fostering strategic partnerships between Small and Medium Original Equipment Manufacturers and Industry IoT Manufacturers. Such collaborations can be pivotal in enhancing IIoT adoption rates among SME OEMs, enabling them to stay competitive in the fast-paced market.