Abstract
Although Industry 4.0 has intensified the focus on the digitalization of manufacturing operations, the success stories are still far apart. To develop appropriate roadmaps toward Industry 4.0, it is essential to understand the barriers and inhibiting factors so that appropriate measures can be taken. To enhance the understanding of these barriers, this study conducted a series of 12 in-depth interviews with Norwegian manufacturers. Based on existing literature and empirical insights, this paper identifies which barriers are prevalent and how they may change in magnitude at different phases of a digitalization process. In total, 62 phase-specific barriers are described. To succeed with digitalization and realize the Industry 4.0 vision, it is essential to focus on the right measures at the right time to overcome the barriers. Thus, this study contributes to existing literature by proposing a barrier timeline, which in turn supports manufacturing practitioners in managing a digitalization process.