Automation Solutions in Indian Small and Tiny Manufacturing Sector: Validating an Implementation Model

Abstract

The small and tiny manufacturing sector in India have missed out on the many technological advancements in the automation solutions being offered in the manufacturing sector due to various impeding factors. The impeding factors include the high initial investment requirement and the high cost of implementation thus rendering the solutions unaffordable. The small and tiny manufacturing sector with its lower potential to tap into the scale economies find themselves constrained to reap the benefits of automation. The lack of technical ongoing support and training contributed by their exorbitance and inaccessibility adds to this impedance and deters the long-term sustenance of the solution. This article attempts to elucidate a remedy that partly resolves these impeding factors by assimilating the merits of an implementation model. The model was tested out in a few projects, one of which is elaborated here. The research methodology adopted is a mix of participatory action research and agile model of implementation. The authors were actively involved as drivers of this automation solution. The article validates and offers a remedy for scenarios where the mentioned factors are relevant. Conclusively, it underlines adherence to an implementation model for the project’s successful implementation and for the sustenance of such implementations.