An extended technology-organization-environment framework to investigate smart manufacturing system implementation in small and medium enterprises

Manufacturing sector is undergoing through revolution with inception of Industry 4.0 (I4.0). However, this revolution in form of Smart Manufacturing (SM) is mostly limited to multi-nationals and large enterprises. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have a unique importance in boosting social-economic aspects of any nation's growth. Thus, there is strong need for implementation of SM system to empower SMEs. To this effect, the present study investigates 31 Critical Success Factors (CSFs) for SM system implementation in SMEs. The work is benefited from six cases of Indian SMEs, surveyed by interviewing experts in the area of SM. The identified CSFs are categorized using an extended Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework. The identified CSFs are modeled using an integrated TISM - Fuzzy DEMATEL (Total Interpretive Structural Modelling - Fuzzy Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) approach which provides hierarchy and shows the intensity of interrelationship among the factors. Fuzzy MICMAC analysis is also applied to understand the dependency/driving power and mutual influences among the identified CSFs. Theoretical contribution, justifications and managerial implications of this research are discussed elaborately that can provide valuable insights to researchers, academicians and decision makers of the related organizations.

Automated summary

The manufacturing sector is undergoing a revolution with the advent of Industry 4.0, but Smart Manufacturing is mainly limited to multinational corporations and large enterprises. Small and Medium Enterprises play a unique role in boosting the socio-economic aspects of a nation's growth. Therefore, there is a strong need to implement Smart Manufacturing systems to empower SMEs. This study investigates 31 Critical Success Factors for the implementation of Smart Manufacturing systems in SMEs, drawing on cases from Indian SMEs and utilizing various analytical methods to understand the relationships between these factors.