Evaluation of smart manufacturing performance using a grey theory-based approach: a case study

The purpose of the article is to report a study on evaluation of smart manufacturing (SM) performance using a grey theory-based approach.

In total, 30 criteria and 79 attributes for SM performance have been developed. A grey theory-based approach has been used for SM performance evaluation. The grey index has been calculated, and weaker areas have been derived. Performance level of SM has been evaluated using the Euclidean distance approach.

The SM performance index is found to be (3.036, 12.296). The ideal grey performance importance index (GPII) is obtained as (3.025, 4.875). The level of visibility and traceability, vertical integration, lead time and configuration data espionage and control ability are strong performing attributes. Integration abilities of services and manufacturing systems, ability of self-control, worker and raw material productivity, collaboration among buyers and suppliers and dynamic scheduling are identified as weaker areas, and suggestions for improvement have been derived. SM performance level has been identified as “Good.”

Additional performance measures could be included as a part of evaluation. Practitioners can overcome weaker areas in the early phase. Management achieves confidence and practitioners attain success in implementation of SM in industry through the developed SM performance indexing system.

Identification of SM performance measures and analysis of SM performance is the original contribution of the authors. The developed approach assists practitioners and managers to focus more on specific areas for performance improvement.