Industry 4.0 and accounting: directions, challenges, opportunities

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to reveal the directions, challenges and opportunities that arise in the accounting system in the conditions of Industry 4.0, when innovative solutions based on the capabilities of new digital technologies become the management of in-demand enterprises. The role of Industry 4.0 is shown, the features of modern Industry 4 technologies are revealed, the main technologies and production processes are demonstrated, interconnected using industrial protocols to create intelligent data. The rating of digital competitiveness and their readiness to implement Industry 4.0 technologies for 64 countries of the world is given and analyzed. These factors hinder the process of digitalization in countries with a low rating. The influence of Industry 4.0 on the accounting system is determined and the technologies affected by the fourth industrial revolution in terms of accounting (Big Data or Data Analytics, Cloud Computing, AI, Blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), Robotic Process Automation) and changes waiting for the profession of accountant. The coordination of efforts of business, education and the state in the context of the development of Industry 4.0 technologies was noted.