Analyser les effets de l'utilisation des outils de diagnostic sur les innovations technologiques (Industry 4.0) pour rendre les chaînes d'approvisionnements des petites et moyennes entreprises plus durables

Abstract

In today's context of growing concerns about social and environmental sustainability, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a key role due to their central importance in the global economy. The transition to Industry 4.0 (i4.0), which incorporates advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and robotics, offers SMEs a unique opportunity to improve their competitiveness while enhancing the sustainability of their supply chain (SC). However, most SMEs have not yet adopted these technologies and are therefore not taking advantage of their potential benefits. This thesis examines the impact of diagnostic tools (OD), which assess business processes, identify areas for improvement and provide recommendations for the adoption of i4.0 technologies. Although the current literature highlights the theoretical benefits of ODs in large companies, it lacks data on their application in SMEs. Moreover, few studies address the negative points of OD or their real impact on these smaller companies. This dissertation therefore aims to fill this gap by exploring the effects of the OD on SMEs. Through an empirical analysis based on semi-directive interviews with a representative sample of SMEs, this thesis compares companies that use OD with those that do not, in order to identify the added value of these tools. The results show that OD facilitate digitalisation and enable profitability to be aligned with social and environmental sustainability. However, the effectiveness of the OD depends more on how well they are used than on the tool itself. SMEs that have made good use of OD have observed a greater perception of the benefits that i4.0 can provide. Despite these benefits, disadvantages remain, such as a strong reluctance to change if all stakeholders are not involved in digitalisation, or the perceived uselessness of these tools due to their time-consuming and complex nature. The results indicate that OD can play a crucial role in the transition of SMEs towards greater sustainability and competitiveness, provided they are used properly. In conclusion, the adoption of i4.0 technologies through properly employed OD is key to aligning SME practices with the growing demands of sustainability and profitability, therefore reinforcing their market position in the long term.