An ‘End to End’ Methodological Framework to Assist SMEs in the Industry 4.0 Journey from a Sectoral Perspective - an Empirical Study in the Oil and Gas Sector

Industry 4.0 has gained momentum due to its potential to transform economies. Research on this subject has proliferated presenting numerous maturity models. However, SMEs, major pillars of the economy, are facing obstacles in their implementation. We introduce a methodology framework to assist SMEs. Based on existing models and tools, we provide an ‘end to end’ approach: from vision definition, through initial diagnosis, to immediate action plan. This was implemented in a pilot project carried out with four companies of the Oil & Gas Industry, later replicated nationally as part of the ‘SMEs Digital Transformation Program (PTD 4.0)’. Results prove its feasibility and (i) suggest that the sectoral approach presents advantages that boost the adoption of Industry 4.0, (ii) show SMEs need specific diagnostic models and iii) provide insights on key practical aspects for the successful application of Industry 4.0 frameworks. The main attributes of our methodology are: assistance vs. self-assessment, sectoral perspective, thorough yet concise, easily replicable and transferable. The main results are a tailored roadmap and the upgrade of the digital capabilities of employees. Our work also reveals valuable experience in the implementation of tools that are already being replicated in other business sectors as part of the PTD4.0.