Sustainability, Vol. 16, Pages 9975: Critical Factors for Implementing Smart Manufacturing: A Supply Chain Perspective

Sustainability, Vol. 16, Pages 9975: Critical Factors for Implementing Smart Manufacturing: A Supply Chain Perspective

Sustainability doi: 10.3390/su16229975

Authors: Ai-Hsuan Chiang Silvana Trimi Tun-Chih Kou

In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, manufacturers are increasingly pressured to undertake digital transformation, with smart manufacturing serving as a crucial milestone in this process. This study investigates the key factors influencing the implementation of smart manufacturing from a supply chain perspective, employing the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to analyze collected data from senior managers of manufacturing firms. The findings highlight several critical factors, including the commitment of senior executives, the recruitment of skilled professionals, interdepartmental collaboration, and financial support. Moreover, this study reveals differing priorities between large and small manufacturers: large firms emphasize the importance of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), while smaller firms prioritize understanding end-consumer needs and product trends. This study emphasizes that smart manufacturing is not only for optimizing the operational efficiency of manufacturing firms but also for supporting sustainability efforts through more effective use of resources and reduced environmental impact of work processes.