Human Factors and Change Management: A Case Study in Logistics 4.0

Although the benefits and advantages are emerging more clearly, the transition of traditional manufacturing and logistics systems to Industry and Logistics 4.0 paradigms is still challenging for companies. In particular, the change management strategies suggested and employed so far lack consideration of the role of human factors to support a successful transition. Starting from the analysis of a case study conducted in a medium-sized Italian manufacturing company, this article aims to show how the critical consideration of the human factors involved in a change of operational processes in a logistics 4.0 perspective is crucial to achieve the objectives set. The article discusses the main strategies to consider from the beginning and the overall impacts on all the job profiles, tasks, and human factors involved to prevent potential resistance and inefficiencies in the implementation phases.