Abstract:
Industry 4.0 is a collection of advanced technologies that are connected and
interact with each other for improved performance. The apparel industry
should rapidly respond to the volatilities of the fashion industry to remain
competitive. However, Industry 4.0 technologies have not reached full
penetration in the Sri Lankan apparel industry. This study has explored
Industry 4.0 implementations in the Sri Lankan apparel sector and
developed a roadmap encapsulating the critical steps in the adoption
process. A series of structured interviews were conducted with ten
information technology and innovation experts from apparel firms that have
adopted Industry 4.0 technologies. Content analysis was performed to
identify the technological, organisational, and environmental factors to be
considered when adopting Industry 4.0. A roadmap for Industry 4.0
adoption has been proposed by analysing the interview data. Workforce
development, standardisation of information systems, integration with
supply chain partners, developing regulations for data security and
governance, developing management competencies, and developing
external stakeholder support have emerged as the stages of the roadmap
respectively. Findings also revealed the strategic importance of adopting
Industry 4.0 technologies and the benefits that are lagging due to the lower
adoption of Industry 4.0. The roadmap may serve the apparel firms as a
guide for successful digital transformation towards Industry 4.0 to
streamline the technological, organisational, and environmental factors that
may act as a driver or barrier in the transformation process. However, the
roadmap is a stepping-stone in the digitalisation process where each apparel
firm must fabricate the process of transformation based on the company’s
competencies, strategy, capabilities, and financial constraints
