Margaret Cullen, Andre P. Calitz, Basil Mugwagwa
Abstract
Digital transformation has brought about challenges that drive the need for smart manufacturing. Industry 4.0 has emerged as a response to these digital transformation challenges. The implementation of smart factories globally has gained academic and practical interest, however studies have focused on generic manufacturing factories, excluding the pharmaceutical industry. The objective of this study was to enhance the understanding of the implementation of smart factories in the pharmaceutical industry. An empirical study was conducted using a questionnaire, which was operationalised from the literature, using a sample of one hundred and six respondents working in a pharmaceutical factory in South Africa. The responses were statistically analysed, including exploratory factor analysis.
A conceptual model is presented and the Technology Acceptance Model was used as the theoretical basis of the study. The results suggest that successful technology acceptance in pharmaceutical industries is dependent on the employees’ and management’s willingness to adapt to the changes that technology brings. It is recommended that management offer training and continuous information sessions on the advantages of technology implementation to the organisation and show that technology implementation is not a threat to the employees’ jobs.