Digitalisation for SME Manufacturers: A Framework and a Low-Cost Approach

Abstract

This paper is concerned with examining and prioritising the specific requirements SME manufacturers have for digital solutions and approaches for developing such solutions based on low-cost technologies and processes. In particular, this paper proposes an end-to-end conceptual framework for addressing the key barriers and opportunities for digitalisation in SME manufacturers. It then shows how this framework has been used to guide the developments in the Digital Manufacturing on a Shoestring programme - an ongoing UK-based research programme developing low-cost digital solutions for SMEs. The framework is intended to provide a reference point in the areas of low-cost digital and automated solutions - which has had surprisingly limited focus to date and also provide support for academic developments targeted at supporting the digital needs of manufacturing SMEs and suggests an application opportunity for modular and reconfigurable systems architectures. The so-called digital Shoestring approach exploits the fact that many low-cost digital devices and software being developed in the non-industrial domain (e.g. sensors, wifi cameras, game controllers) may well have direct industrial applicability. The novelty of this work lies in the recognition that a low-cost pathway to helping SME manufacturers address digitalisation may address an outstanding industrial need and that the use of non-industrial digital technologies and methods may provide advantages.