The sequence of implementation of reconfigurability core characteristics in manufacturing systems
Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management
ISSN: 1741-038X
Article publication date: 3 November 2020
Issue publication date: 23 February 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The objective of this study is to propose a sequence of implementation of the core characteristics of reconfigurability: modularity, integrability, diagnosability, adaptability and customization. For this purpose, the relationships among the core characteristics and Industry 4.0 technologies are analyzed as well as the impacts of one core characteristic on another.
Design/methodology/approach
This study presented tests and validated two hypothesized models based on the literature. This paper was based on a questionnaire survey. Portuguese manufacturing companies were the sampling frame. In total, 600 questionnaires were distributed and a total of 112 responses were eligible for statistical processing, representing a response rate of 18.7%. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to hypothesize the sequence of implementation of the core characteristics of reconfigurability.
Findings
The findings presented a roadmap to implement reconfigurability, which implies significant managerial contributions on how to make the transition from conventional to reconfigurable manufacturing systems (RMSs). This highlights the importance of the sequence of implementation of the core characteristics in order to make the most of each to achieve reconfigurability.
Originality/value
Implementing reconfigurability is crucial to manufacturing companies to respond to changes in production requirements and market fluctuations quickly. However, there is a gap between theory and practice in regard to achieve reconfigurability in existing manufacturing systems. This gap includes (1) understanding the type of relationships among the core characteristics of reconfigurability, (2) understanding the influence that one core characteristic has on another and (3) establishing a sequence of implementation for the core characteristics. This study makes a contribution to fill this gap in the research area.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research is sponsored by FEDER funds through the program COMPETE – Programa Operacional Factores de Competitividade – and by national funds through FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia –, under the project UID/EMS/00285/2020.
Citation
Maganha, I., Silva, C. and Ferreira, L.M.D.F. (2021), "The sequence of implementation of reconfigurability core characteristics in manufacturing systems", Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol. 32 No. 2, pp. 356-375. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMTM-09-2019-0342
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited