Abstract
Industry 4.0 adoption is very complex and challenging, making strategic guidelines vital for success in the digital transformation journey. While the positive aspects of I4 adoption in the manufacturing sector are reported in academic literature, evidence of I4 adoption in real-world situations from the triadic perspective of the supply chain is limited. Thus, this study aims to investigate the I4 adoption challenges and develop strategies to overcome those challenges, taking into consideration of triadic relationships in the supply chain. A qualitative research approach, using interviews with supply chain practitioners was adopted. Lack of process/system integration, lack of competencies/skilled workforce, process-related issues, lack of conscious planning, and employees’ resistance are identified as the key challenges of I4 adoption. Therefore, collaboration and partnership with supply chain actors to share resources/knowledge about I4, and implementing process excellence and digital learning are some strategies that manufacturing industries could use to overcome the challenges.