Assessment and governance of industrial internet maturity in the building materials industry using the entropy weight method and factor analysis

BACKGROUND: The industrial Internet represents a fundamental infrastructure for future digitalization, networking, intelligent change, and innovation in the manufacturing industry. In this study, an index system was constructed to evaluate the maturity level of the industrial Internet in the building materials industry. METHOD: Based on factor analysis and the entropy weight method, we constructed a method of evaluating the maturity level of industrial Internet for building materials companies. Specifically, an industrial Internet maturity evaluation index system for building materials companies was established through factor analysis, and the weights of various evaluation indexes were assigned using the entropy method. In our study, 59 representative building materials companies were selected as research samples, and empirical research was conducted. Thereafter, one company was selected to verify the evaluation model. Finally, the comprehensive scores and rankings of the 59 building materials companies and their individual scores were calculated. RESULTS: This study identified seven key indicators for assessing industrial Internet maturity in the building materials industry: data analysis and usage, information network facilities, intelligence level of the system, smart device networking, comprehensive integration, safety management digitization rate, and R & D digitization rate. The study indicated that the majority of large-scale building materials companies were at a 2-star level of industrial Internet maturity, indicating an overall primary stage. The study revealed that information network infrastructure had a relatively high level, but comprehensive integration and data analysis capacity were comparatively weak. Moreover, the R&D digitalization rate and the safety management digitalization rate showed consistent development levels. RESEARCH IMPLICATION: This study introduces the first maturity model for the industrial internet in the building materials industry, guiding government decision-making and providing self-assessment direction for companies. It aims to effectively address the industry's challenges of high energy consumption, emissions, labor shortages, and low efficiency.