Transforming MSME assembly operations: smart manual assembly table for improved productivity
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a crucial role in the manufacturing sector but often face challenges in maintaining efficiency and quality due to high worker attrition and skill variability. Traditional manual assembly tables (TMATs) require experienced operators, making it difficult for MSMEs to sustain productivity with novice workers. To address this, authors developed and implemented a Smart Manual Assembly Table (SMAT) that integrates smart assistance technologies (SAT) to enhance industrial efficiency. The system incorporates real-time monitoring, automated guidance, and error detection mechanisms to improve worker accuracy and productivity. Experimental evaluation compared the performance of traditional and smart assembly setups, focusing on cycle time, error rate, and overall workflow efficiency. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in assembly time and errors, enabling higher production rates and improved product quality. Additionally, the SMAT reduced the cognitive load on operators by providing automated alerts and digital work instructions, thereby enhancing adaptability for novice workers. The study also highlights the potential of integrating Industry 4.0 principles into MSME assembly operations, thereby enhancing a collaborative human-machine environment. The findings emphasize the practical benefits of smart-assisted manual assembly cells, including cost-effectiveness, scalability, and ease of implementation. Future research should focus on long-term reliability, adaptability across diverse assembly tasks, and optimized scheduling techniques to further improve efficiency. The SMAT presents a promising approach for modernizing MSME assembly processes, ensuring sustainable productivity and a competitive advantage in the evolving industrial landscape.
DOI: 10.14419/am35a906
Authors: Prathamesh Shailesh Shinde, Chaitanya Shrikant Poredi, Ganesh Suresh Shelke, Srishti Sudhir Patil, Jahida Javed Subhedar, Maneetkumar Rangnath Dhanvijay, Sudhir Madhav Patil
Language: English
Subfield: Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4409434223