Integration of Industry 4.0 technologies and Knowledge Management Systems for Operational Performance improvement

This paper aims at investigating the potential of Knowledge Management (KM) as a mediator on the association between Industry 4.0 technologies (I4.0) and operational performance. For that, we gathered data through a survey with 112 managerial-level employees of manufacturers located in Brazil. Information was then analysed by means of multivariate data techniques. This research found that there is indeed a direct and positive relationship between I4.0 technologies, specific KM processes and operational performance. However, our findings reveal that a general approach to KM cannot be defined and specific reflections must be developed with reference to each company, context or situation.