Critical challenges of integrating OPEX strategies with I4.0 technologies in manufacturing SMEs: a few pieces of evidence from developing economies

Abstract

PurposeThe study proposes to determine the impending challenges to lean integration with Industry 4.0 (I4.0) in manufacturing that aims at achieving desired operational performance. Integrating lean and Industry 4.0 as the two industrial approaches is synergetic in providing operational benefits such as increasing flexibility, improving productivity, reducing cost, reducing delivery time, improving quality and value stream mapping (VSM). There is an urgent need to understand the integrated potential of OPEX strategies like lean manufacturing and also to determine the challenges for manufacturing SMEs and further suggest a strategic roadmap for the future.Design/methodology/approachThe current work has used a combined approach on interpretative structural modeling (ISM) and fuzzy Matrice d'impacts croisés multiplication appliquée á un classment (MICMAC) approach to structure the multiple level analysis for the implementation challenges to integrate OPEX strategies with Industry 4.0.FindingsThe research has found that the indulgence of various implementation issues like lack of standardization, lack of vision and lack of trained support, all are the major challenges that inhibit the integration of OPEX strategies with I4.0 technologies in manufacturing.Research limitations/implicationsThe research has investigated the internal factors acting as a roadblock to lean and Industry 4.0 adoption. Further studies may consider external factors to lean and Industry 4.0 implementation. Also, further research may consider other operational excellence approaches and extend further to relevant sectors.Practical implicationsThis study provides the analysis of barriers that is useful for the managers to take strategic actions for implementing OPEX strategies with I4.0 in smart manufacturing.Originality/valueThe research determines the adoption challenges towards the integrated framework. This is the first study to explore challenges in integrating OPEX strategies with I4.0 technologies in manufacturing SMEs.

Sustainable Performance through Digital Supply Chains in Industry 4.0 Era: Amidst the Pandemic Experience

“…They can revolutionize work on information management and integration among S.C. partners. Thus, they can enhance the performance, along with I4TE, in contrast to the previous research by Kiel et al [113], Delongate et al [114], and van de Wetering [115], which claimed the negative influence of I4TE on the performance and enhancement concerning environmental problems. This research is the first attempt to look at DSC from the information processing perspective, which has significant implications for DSC research in general.…”

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“…In developing countries, a lack of adoption within an SME appears to be due to fear of job loss (Joshi et al, 2022). Therefore, Joshi et al (2022) encourage support at all levels of management, specifically towards the workers' development, involvement, and engagement.…”

“…Departmental interaction -We find that this interaction is only mentioned in the literature from developing countries. Joshi et al (2022) highlight the importance of a supportive learning environment in SMEs in India, where learnings are captured and shared between departments, ensuring an understanding of how their work affects the rest of the organization. Also in India, Mittal et al (2020) found that input was sought from different departments such as sales, design, and production when a particular technology was being designed in their selected manufacturing SMEs.…”

“…The literature suggests that departmental interactions are taking place within SMEs to capture and share knowledge for accountability purposes, where each department understands how their work affects the rest of the organization (Joshi et al, 2022) and for input in technology solution design (Mittal et al, 2020). This finding was only observed in studies from developing countries.…”

The analysis of critical success factors for successful kaizen implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic: a textile industry case study

“…With the help of MCDM, which offers a well-structured framework for decision-making, factors based on adaptability, sustainability, and resilience are evaluated. In order to ensure the sustainability of Kaizen principles, the study aims to comprehend how the textile industry can adapt and flourish in the face of disruptions.Recent research has utilized MCDM and Structuring modeling to model critical success factors(Citybabu & Yamini, 2022;Joshi et al, 2022). ISM allows for understanding direct and indirect relationships among variables affecting the system under consideration, integrating elements measured on ordinal scales(Khaba et al, 2020).…”