FROM SMART PRODUCTS TO SMART MANUFACTURING IN EMERGING ECONOMIES: CHALLENGES AND INSIGHTS FROM THE FURNITURE INDUSTRY

The present study highlights a methodology to approach complex decision-making regarding manufacturing systems upgrading in the furniture industry, with application for an innovative company that has developed a smart product concept. The relationship between intelligent products and intelligent production is addressed from the point of view of existing approaches and then new directions are explored by means of successive correlations with the help of the Cause and Effect matrix, starting from expert opinions. The correlations identified between the expected decision influence factors and the designed product sub-systems and projected processes, respectively, ensures that the planning of the transition to smart manufacturing can be made in a justified and well-thought manner. Also, adequate technologies are recommended for the most important processes based on a success forecasting analysis.