Revolutionizing Production: The Impact of 4IR on Factory Management of Ready-Made Garment Industry in Bangladesh

Abstract

This study aims to provide insights into the impacts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) on the factory management of the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) industry in Bangladesh. The researchers employed a qualitative field research approach to collect data from 18 respondents selected through purposive sampling from stakeholders within the RMG industry of Bangladesh. A semi-structured questionnaire was utilized to ascertain the impacts of the 4IR on factory management within the study’s scope. Subsequently, the data interpretation is obtained through a rigorous thematic analysis. The study reveals the significant impacts of the 4IR on the RMG industry of Bangladesh, marked by the widespread adoption of digital industrial technologies and automation in factory management processes. Automation, propelled by 4IR, has resulted in improved precision and efficiency in production processes. This automation not only minimizes human intervention but also contributes to cost reduction, while simultaneously yielding social benefits and addressing ethical imperatives. The findings underscore the importance of proactive policy interventions to address the challenges and opportunities associated with 4IR adoption. Strategies focusing on education, skills development, and supportive policies are essential for facilitating a smooth transition toward digitalized factory management while ensuring equitable benefits for all stakeholders.