Digital Transformation In Manufacturing System Of Industry 4.0: Facilitating Pandemic Crisis Management

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected global production systems, emphasizing the need for flexible and robust operations. This study examines the crucial significance of digital transformation in the manufacturing industry within the framework of Industry 4.0, namely in enabling efficient handling of pandemic crises. We analyze the role of digital technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and cloud computing, in addressing and surmounting the difficulties presented by the epidemic. The study consolidates evidence from several industrial firms that have adopted digital techniques to sustain operations, assure safety, and improve operational efficiency within the pandemic. The primary areas of emphasis are the swift implementation of intelligent manufacturing facilities, the acceptance of remote monitoring, and the incorporation of cyber-physical systems to reduce interpersonal interaction and sustain efficiency. The research also focuses on the utilization of digital twins to replicate procedures and forecast results without the need for physical experimentation, hence mitigating hazards to human workers and minimizing disruptions to the production schedule. This study asserts that the application of digital transformation in the manufacturing industry not only enables organizations to effectively address the immediate difficulties posed by a pandemic, but also improves their long-term ability to withstand adversities and remain competitive. It emphasizes that relying solely on technology is inadequate without simultaneously transforming the culture, skills, and procedures. The COVID-19 epidemic has highlighted the urgent need for manufacturers to expedite their digital transformation efforts in order to be ready for future disruptions.