Reasons for the Success or Failure of an Automation Project: An Investigation of Small and Medium‐sized Swedish Manufacturing Companies

Abstract

Reports an investigation into how 200 small and medium‐sized Swedish manufacturing companies look upon and treat automation technology. Shows that an increasing use of automation technology seems to create a successful company, but the human aspects and questions like “what will happen when the project is finished?” are seldom considered. Instead technical matters are in focus. Shows a lack of strategy formulation and little use of methods to design, introduce and evaluate automation projects.