Guidelines for the Preparation in Applying for Industry 4.0 Organization Assessment

Abstract

To enhance the capabilities of the Thai industrial sector in accordance with the principles of Industry 4.0, effective management is crucial for preparing for organisational diagnosis. This study sought to explore the guidelines for preparation in applying for Industry 4.0 organisation assessment through a mixed-methods approach. Qualitative research included in-depth interviews with nine experts and a focus group consisting of 11 successful business figures to validate the proposed model. Quantitative data were collected from 500 management-level personnel within the manufacturing sector via a questionnaire. Statistical analyses, including descriptive, inferential, and multivariate methods, were employed to analyse the data. The findings revealed that the guidelines for preparation in applying for Industry 4.0 organisation assessment were structured by dimensions, prioritised as follows: 1) Collaboration Network (= 4.22), assessing the effectiveness of collaboration; 2) Data Insight (= 4.21), evaluating internal organisational risks; 3) Human Resource Development (= 4.21), recognising exceptional personnel; and 4) Organisational Support (= 4.15), preparing strategic organisational plans. Hypothesis testing revealed no significant differences in the emphasis placed on the guidelines based on the size of manufacturing enterprises. The structural equation model analysis demonstrated a good fit between the assessment criteria and empirical data, with values for chi-square probability, relative chi-square, consistency index, and root mean square error of approximation of 0.061, 1.151, 0.957, and 0.017, respectively.