Assessing the Impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on Sustainability and Manufacturing Performance: An Integrated Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach

International Journal of Mechanical Engineering

© 2026 by SSRG - IJME Journal

Volume 13 Issue 3

Year of Publication : 2026

Authors : Dharam Ranka, Hari Vasudevan

10.14445/23488360/IJME-V13I3P107

How to Cite?

Dharam Ranka, Hari Vasudevan, "Assessing the Impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on Sustainability and Manufacturing Performance: An Integrated Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach," SSRG International Journal of Mechanical Engineering, vol. 13,  no. 3, pp. 74-82, 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488360/IJME-V13I3P107

Abstract:

Digital technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution are on the ascendancy by making the processes of global manufacturing ecosystems highly intelligent, interconnected, and also embracing sustainable inclusivity along the way. The visible impact of these Digitized Transforming Enablers (DTE) on manufacturing performance, including sustainability dimensions, is highly scarce in the extant literature, even though the manufacturing firms are willing to pay for these digital technologies. To address this gap, a novel trifocal approach is proposed in the study by developing relational interdependencies among DTE, sustainability factors, and manufacturing outcomes. An expert-oriented data-driven approach is utilized in the study for a hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) technique. It integrates the techniques of Best–Worst Method (BWM) and Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL). Cyber Physical Systems tops the list of having the highest priority weight obtained through the BWM technique. Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, and Big Data Analytics follow next in the list, representing their strategic importance in digital transformation. Causal factors are revealed using DEMATEL analysis. Cyber Physical Systems, Internet of Things, and Artificial Intelligence are among the causal factors, whilst Additive Manufacturing, Autonomous Robots, and Cybersecurity are acknowledged as dependent elements. The results obtained will help researchers, policymakers, and manufacturing leaders in identifying key digital technologies and formulating a structured digital transformation roadmap.

Keywords:

Digitized Transforming Enablers (DTE), Industry 4.0, Sustainability, Manufacturing performance, Best Worst Method (BWM), Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL).

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