Advanced Manufacturing Technology Implementation in Indian Automotive Industry: An Interactive Qualitative Study

The emergence of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (AMT) revolutionized the industrial landscape through a fusion of technologies (ranging from mechatronics to digital twins) so as to augment go-to-market strategies while reducing costs and increasing productivity. However, the implementation process of these technologies remains relatively unexplored in the technology management domain. To address this gap in research, an exploratory study involving 26 industry experts from the Automotive Industry has been undertaken. The present study aims to investigate the adoption patterns of AMT, specifically in the automotive sector. We employed Interactive Qualitative Analysis to systematically formulate a conceptual framework, classifying factors into drivers and outcomes contributing to successful technology implementation. Primary drivers identified are Competitive Advantage and Alliance Management, while primary outcomes include Return on Investment, Customer Satisfaction, and Project Efficiency. The AMT dimensions considered encompass 3D printing, CNC Machining, Robotics and Automation, Additive Manufacturing, Industry 4.0, and IoT and Smart Manufacturing. This analysis contributes to a deeper understanding of the crucial requirements for effectively implementing Advanced Manufacturing technologies in user industries be it for producing consumer or industrial goods.