Implementation of industry 4.0 technologies and practices in SMEs

A. McNabb*, J. Butterfield, P. Martin, M. Nolepa, P. Ross

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

This paper presents two case studies of the implementation of digital technology in a manufacturing SME. Because of the financial barriers SMEs face when exploring commercially available solutions, the aim of these projects is to explore the viability of developing solutions using low-cost hardware and open-source software, such that SMEs can utilise digital technology without the need for high-risk financial investment.

The first case study presents a project to use open-source simulation software to generate quantitative data from a series of proposed assembly line changes, to evaluate the impact of each. The chosen solution, JaamSim, proved to be industry-capable, as long as the manufacturer has the digital skills internally to learn to use the software without dedicated guidance and support.

The second case study presents a project to convert analogue data into digital data, in this case a gas meter connected to a rotational moulding machine. The solution was built using a Raspberry Pi Single Board Computer and the programming language Python. Developing this solution required specialised skills in computer vision and programming, which introduces a different, but manageable, barrier for SMEs.

While the presented projects achieved their objectives using low-cost hardware and open-source software, they present manufacturers with a different barrier: the need to develop digital skills internally. While this has proved to be a significant barrier for SMEs in the past, it is argued that the emerging workforce is closing this skills gap more quickly than the financial gap between SMEs and large manufacturers is closing. Investing in the development of these skills should be seen as a lower-risk and more sustainable than investing in commercially available digital solutions.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 38th International Manufacturing Conference (IMC38)
EditorsEamonn Ahearne, Denis P. Dowling
PublisherUniversity College Dublin
Pages176-184
ISBN (Electronic)9781910963630
Publication statusPublished - 30 Aug 2022
Event38th International Manufacturing Conference 2022 - UCD, Dublin, Ireland
Duration: 30 Aug 202230 Aug 2022
http://hdl.handle.net/10197/24274 (Conference proceedings)

Conference

Conference38th International Manufacturing Conference 2022
Abbreviated titleIMC 2022
Country/TerritoryIreland
CityDublin
Period30/08/202230/08/2022
Internet address

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