Barriers and drivers of digitalization of technical products: a survey in industry

Abstract The digitalization of technical products and their manufacturing processes is becoming increasingly important in the context of Industry 4.0. While large companies are taking a leading role in this development, small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) often find it difficult to keep up. In order to strengthen SMEs and enable them to carry out their own digitalization projects, academic research can help to develop tools and guidelines. However, for this academic research to be applicable in industrial practice, it is important that it addresses real challenges. As part of this article, a survey was conducted among German companies on the topic of digitalization of technical products and corresponding processes. In addition to the general attitude towards digitalization, the survey primarily focused on how relevant the participants perceive various barriers and drivers of digitalization. Differences between the responses of SMEs and large companies as well as between different roles in the companies were identified and examined. This provides a starting point for future, targeted and applicable research in the field of digitalization of technical products and manufacturing processes.