Factors influencing the adoption of warehousing 4.0 by manufacturing companies in developing countries: A case study of Sri Lanka and Cameroon

Abstract: The purpose of this thesis is to comprehend the concept of warehousing 4.0 and to examine the critical factors influencing its adoption in developing countries. while at the same time exploring how manufacturing companies can address these factors prior to adopting warehousing 4.0. This master’s thesis employs a multiple case study approach, conducting semi-structured interviews and engaging focus group discussions with respondents from three manufacturing companies operating in 2 developing countries (Sri Lanka and Cameroon). The finding reveals critical factors like cost, technological readiness, availability of skilled workers, IT infrastructure, etc. With a higher level of criticality amongst some critical factors when compared to others. The findings also revealed strategies identified to effectively address the critical factors. These strategies include employee training programs, building partnerships, infrastructure upgrades, data security systems, etc. These proposed strategies across the companies exhibit similarities, indicating a shared understanding of critical factors and a similar approach to addressing them. This research contributes to the existing knowledge on warehousing 4.0 adoption and provides practical insights for manufacturing companies in developing countries. By carefully identifying and addressing the specified critical factors, manufacturing companies in developing countries can navigate challenges and leverage the opportunities presented by warehousing 4.0 technologies in their raw material warehouses.