Perceptions and problems related to the use of manufacturing automation in a small, geographically isolated economy

Abstract

In small, geographically isolated economies, it is possible to find a lack of appropriate support for the implementation of state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies for manufacturing automation, thus compromising the efficiency and competitiveness of the manufacturing sector in the global marketplace. In this work, we carry out a critical investigation of the use of automation within the manufacturing sector of such an economy, using the island nation of Malta as a case study. We focus mainly on high value-added manufacturing, characterized by the need for high product variety and relatively low product quantities, and triggering the need for versatility in production facilities, potentially in the form of reconfigurable production systems. We have developed a set of detailed questions, in the form of a survey questionnaire, which we pose to a sample of companies from various sub-sectors, and of various sizes, within the Maltese manufacturing sector. Respondents answer the questions in the setting of a semi-structured interview, following an extensive familiarization tour of the company facilities by the interviewers. We present the results, as well as their analysis and interpretation, from our first sample of thirty manufacturing firms, ranging in size from micro to large, and taken mainly from the electronics, medical, pharmaceuticals, plastics, food and beverage, chemicals, and furniture industries.