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Technical Journal, Vol. 20 No. 4, 2026.

Preliminary communication

https://doi.org/10.31803/tg-20250502102118

Industry 4.0 Readiness in Electrical Companies: Analysing Product Manufacturing and Communication in the Customer and Supplier Chain

Andrea Benešová ; University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Department of Materials and Technologies, Univerzitní 2795/26, 301 00 Pilsen, Czech Republic *
Martin Hirman ; University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Department of Materials and Technologies, Univerzitní 2795/26, 301 00 Pilsen, Czech Republic
František Steiner ; University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Department of Materials and Technologies, Univerzitní 2795/26, 301 00 Pilsen, Czech Republic
Jiří Tupa ; University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Department of Materials and Technologies, Univerzitní 2795/26, 301 00 Pilsen, Czech Republic

* Corresponding author.

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Abstract

This study examines the readiness of electrical companies to adopt Industry 4.0 principles, focusing on the degree of product customization and communication practices within customer and supply chains. Using a questionnaire survey via GoogleForms, data was collected from 28 companies in the electrical industry. The results showed that 63% of companies offer full product customization, indicating advanced technology integration, while 23% of companies only allow partial customization, indicating a transitional phase towards Industry 4.0 adoption. However, 14% stick to fixed product portfolios, reflecting limited flexibility and readiness for digital transformation. The communication analysis further revealed that most companies still rely on traditional methods such as electronic and telephone communication to interact with suppliers and customers, with only 10% achieving fully automated digital integration. This study highlights significant gaps in digitalisation and provides useful insights in terms of technology adoption and communication strategies in line with Industry 4.0 principles.

Keywords

communication; customer; Industry 4.0; product; readiness; supplier chain

Hrčak ID:

351735

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/351735

Publication date:

15.12.2026.

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