A study of potential smart technology practices based on industry 4.0 in manufacturing companies.

Smart technologies can support a company to enhance their production performance and contribute greatly capabilities for improvement. Smart technologies based on Industry 4.0 can enhance greater manufacturing performance growth and encourage industry players to gain competitive advantage in global market. However, limited knowledge, skills and financial support has affected the development of smart technologies in Malaysia. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the potential of smart technologies related to IR4.0 to develop a better manufacturing system. The purpose of this research is to determine the potential of smart technologies and their extent of practices. There are five types of smart technologies were identified from literature that contributes to manufacturing performance. The management level and the assemblers in manufacturing companies were the target respondents in this research. In quantitative method, the questionnaires were distributed via online to 123 respondents and received 70 responses with 56.91% response rate. The potential of smart technologies is medium level. The highest potential is Identification Technologies. It is followed by cloud computing and information application, wearable technologies, robotic technologies and navigation and localization technologies. The highest practice that is being practiced is cloud computing and information applications. It is followed by identification technologies, robotic technologies, navigation and localisation technologies and wearable technologies. This research is able to develop the potential of smart technologies practices that assist in improving manufacturing sector in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]