Exploring the Success Factors of Digital Transformation in the Footwear Industry towards Industry 4.0: A Delphi Study

  ABSTRACT : This study explores success factors of digital transformation of a traditional manufacturing. Having one of the strongest supply chains in the world, the retail footwear industry has been drastically changed in the past few decades. How does the footwear industry go through the process of digital transformation is of interest. Using the Delphi method, this study investigates the main issues that footwear industry facing and the solutions of meeting customer demands and market competition. Delphi method was used and data collected from 20 experts were analyzed. The results indicate that digital transformation is the most effective aspect of Industry 4.0 technologies, particularly in digitization, efficiency, optimization, and integration. However, experts highlight fundamental difficulties in digitization, especially in knowledge:transfer from experienced craftsmen, emphasizing the importance of talent cultivation and protection.

KEYWORDS: Digital Transformation, Knowledge transfer, footwear industry, Industry 4.0