Towards the adoption of smart manufacturing systems: A development framework

Abstract

Today, a new era of manufacturing innovation is introduced as Smart Manufacturing Systems (SMS) or Industry 4.0. Many studies have discussed the different characteristics and technologies associated with SMS, however, little attention has been devoted to study the development process when establishing new SMS. The study's objective is to propose a development framework that increases the adoption and awareness of Industry 4.0 among manufacturers and aids decision-makers in designing better SMS capabilities. The framework consists of three phases, iterative process of application modelling; evaluation to ensure optimal configuration and adoption; and finally implementation. The proposed framework is hoped to assist the industries' management in planning for the adoption of technology, in establishing SMS or assessing the need in existing ones. Indirectly, more industry will gain the benefits as a support for their initiatives to transform into Industry 4.0. © 2018 The Science and Information (SAI) Organization Limited.