How Industry 4.0 Technologies Can Support a Human-Centric Supply Chain : An Exploratory Multiple Case Study with Manufacturers and Service Providers

Abstract: Background: The use of technologies and digitization has become unavoidable in recent years to improve organizational efficiency and competitiveness. Even though companies are still adopting Industry 4.0 technologies, the next industrial revolution is approaching. Researchers argue for the importance of human-centricity in industries to provide benefits for all stakeholders involved. However, in literature, it is unexplored how human-centricity can be achieved with Industry 4.0 technologies, especially in a supply chain context.  Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore how Industry 4.0 technologies can support a human-centric supply chain. Method: An exploratory, qualitative study was conducted to gain an in-depth understanding of the research phenomenon. A holistic multiple case study provided empirical findings through semi-structured interviews. An inductive thematic analysis has been performed, which enabled the findings to emerge from the data. Conclusion: The human-centric focus is being acknowledged and the case companies are actively focusing on technological implementations to improve it. Thecreation of a safe, creative, and attractive work environment, where workers are actively involved in implementation processes, and heavy labor and repetitive tasks are replaced, will result in a positive cycle towards human-centricity and technological innovations. Companies will first have to overcome implementation barriers and focus on technological innovations that support human-centricity within the boundaries of the firms. This can then be followed by enhanced supply chain collaborations.