DefinePK

Abstract

For a long time, the fundamental cause of regulating the operations of SMEs at lower efficiency was a lack of marketing forces, the use of information systems, modularity, and cost-effective manufacturing solutions. In view of the importance of the aforementioned factors, a model was considered for the Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) implementation in SMEs. An empirical study in British SMEs was carried out to test the established model to facilitate CIM adoption. Findings revealed that majority of SMEs reported influence of CIM implementation in various marketing factors i.e. new markets for new products–53%, building market share with existing and new products–92%, defending market share–76%, competitiveness–62%, stability–59%, profitability–59%, and marketing–76% to a very great, certain and some extent. Moreover, information systems supported SMEs in managing information–84%. Additionally, information systems supported SMEs in cost control, capacity and production planning, scheduling, and material control–58% to a very great, certain, and to some extent. Findings of modularity factors revealed that CIM has influenced the production variety–84%, reduced delivery time–84%, managing complexity–92%, flexibility in product design–88%, quick transformation–50%, cost reduction of manufacturing–92%, product performance–84%, support after sales–88%, delivery dates–96%, shorter lead time to deliver–88%, consistent quality–100%, and rapid change in product design–88% to a very great, certain and to some extent collectively. In cost-effective solutions, CIM has contributed to responsive planning and control–88%, reliable process–100%, workforce flexibility–96%, and reliable supply chains–96% to a very great, certain, and to some extent collectively. Findings divulge that CIM implementation plays a dynamic role in the sustainable growth of SMEs.