Advancing Maintenance 4.0 through an Asset Management Framework: a South African Petrochemical Industry Case Study

Abstract

The rapid advancement of digital technologies has raised uncertainty about the adequacy of traditional maintenance models to meet Industry 4.0 requirements. This study develops and validates an asset management framework to support the South African petrochemical industry’s transition to Maintenance 4.0. The framework was validated through a quantitative survey conducted within a leading petrochemical company in South Africa, ensuring its practical applicability. Descriptive statistical analysis confirmed 15 of 17 framework characteristics and supported five of seven theoretical propositions. Key enablers of Maintenance 4.0 adoption include the integration of human intelligence, machine learning, and real-time data, as well as the role of organizational culture and asset resilience in shaping outcomes. The study offers both theoretical contributions and practical guidance for maintenance professionals seeking to align maintenance practices with Industry 4.0 principles, with relevance extending beyond the immediate case context.