Is COVID-19 Friend or Foe to Industry 4.0: Experiences of Turkish White Goods Suppliers

Abstract

This study, in the two years since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, reveals the most focused issues by the Turkish white goods suppliers regarding Industry 4.0 and the challenges encountered while engaging in Industry 4.0 practices. The data were obtained through a questionnaire form participated by the managers of 36 different companies that are members of the Turkish White Goods Suppliers Association. The collected data were classified, and it was found that the most focused issues of the companies were technology investments, ERP and MES, data collection, business processes, investment plans, organizational transformation, occupational health and safety, and participation in Industry 4.0-related events, respectively. Moreover, the most common challenges companies face concerning Industry 4.0 are related to the not being able to come together, finance, technology providers, postponement of investment plans, and loss of employees. On the other hand, 16% of the participating companies stated that they did not encounter any difficulties.