INDUSTRY 4.0 - ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) CONTRIBUTION TO CAPABILITY MATURITY

This paper reviews the extent of the disruptive nature of Industry 4.0 technologies applied to existing manufacturing industries. The inherent efficient and precision nature presented within the Cyber Physical Systems (CPS) and the nine pillars of Industry 4.0 technologies will increasingly exploit industry operations. This development of strategies and the impact thereof is significant for the drivers impacting on competitive forces within industry as well as consumers across the globe. The paper objective will therefore by means of research study illustrates how to (i) critically analyse the current developments of Artificial Intelligence (AI) one of the nine pillars within Industry 4.0 (ii) identify the dynamics of CPS's in the short term and (iii) how a multitude of exponential improvements can be realised for the early adopters of AI as part of their manufacturing and service digital strategy as a catalyst for increased organisational capability maturity through exponential continuous improvements and sustained innovation opportunities. The research results obtained therefore assisted in the design and testing of a comprehensive integrated Lean Six-Sigma (LSS), Critical Success Factors (CSF's), Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) and CMMI framework interacting and supported by Industry 4.0. The developed framework is undergoing testing multiple manufacturers in South Africa. The framework will assist the organisation to optimise processes and product quality coupled with product performance transcending into successful capability maturity outcomes in the pursuit of increased customer loyalty.