SMALL MEDIUM ENTERPRISES AND INDUSTRY 4.0: CURRENT MODELS' INEPTITUDE AND THE PROPOSAL OF A METHODOLOGY TO SUCCESSFULLY IMPLEMENT INDUSTRY 4.0 IN SMALL MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

摘要

The purpose of this paper is to examine the existing models in the literature and analyze whether they are suited for the SMEs' needs, as well as to propose the development of a methodology for SMEs to successfully approach and implement Industry 4.0. It begins with an introduction to Industry 4.0 and its meaning, followed by what are maturity models and why are they important. A literature review of Industry 4.0 maturity and readiness models and an analysis of their suitability to SMEs are made. The steps required to build a methodology guide SMEs to approach Industry 4.0 and implement it, are proposed.