ORCID
https//orcid.org/0000-0001-9266-1284
Abstract
Industry 4.0 has increasingly become a focal point of scholarly inquiry. Nonetheless, there remains a noticeable lack of comprehensive research on the diverse and systematic factors that influence the adoption of Industry 4.0 Predictive Maintenance (PdM 4.0) in manufacturing sectors within developing regions, particularly in East Africa. This study seeks to bridge this research gap by investigating the key determinants affecting the actual implementation of PdM 4.0 in Tanzania’s food and beverage manufacturing industries. To achieve this objective, a mixed-methods research design was adopted, combining both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews with ten industry experts, while quantitative data were collected via structured questionnaires administered to 90 professionals from various manufacturing enterprises. The data were analyzed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), employing SPSS and SmartPLS 4 software. The analysis identified several critical factors significantly associated with the adoption of PdM 4.0, including strategic decision-making, equipment data utilization, organizational culture, perceived ease of use, perceived benefits, resource availability, external pressures, risk perceptions, and the intention to adopt. The proposed model demonstrated a satisfactory fit, with key indices such as RMSEA = 0.048, NFI = 0.91, GFI = 0.94, χ²/df = 2.67, and p-values below 0.05. This research offers novel contributions to the understanding of PdM 4.0 adoption by highlighting the pivotal role of managerial initiatives in promoting awareness and perceived value of the technology. The findings suggest that cultivating a data-centric organizational culture, enhancing access to necessary resources, and addressing perceived risks are essential for effective implementation. It is therefore recommended that both policymakers and industry stakeholders focus on strengthening digital infrastructure, developing tailored policy frameworks, and investing in capacity-building programs to accelerate the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies in Tanzania’s manufacturing sector.
Recommended Citation
Peter, F. E. (2025). Factors Affecting Adoption of Industry 4.0 predictive maintenance by manufacturing industries: Tanzania food and beverage manufacturing industries. Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology, 44(1), 215-232. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.52339/tjet.v44i1.1038
Publisher Name
University of Dar es Salaam
Included in
Electro-Mechanical Systems Commons, Engineering Mechanics Commons, Industrial Engineering Commons, Risk Analysis Commons