Towards a Reconfigurable Manufacturing System for Control Cabinet Manufacturing: A Systematic Literature Review and Research Agenda

In response to the challenges of Industry 4.0 and global competition, this study introduces a research agenda towards an innovative concept for automation tailored to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the control and switchgear manufacturing sector. These companies, crucial to machinery and plant engineering industries, face the dilemma of needing increased product customization and shorter delivery times without sacrificing quality, despite cost pressures and a shortage of skilled workers. The proposed solution is outlined based on a systematic literature review on Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems (RMS) and aims to automate a wide range of manual manufacturing and assembly steps, making it a feasible option for SMEs to adopt manufacturing automation economically. The technical and economic requirements of the control and switchgear cabinet production process chain were analyzed, leading to the conceptualization of a system that significantly reduces lead times and manufacturing times by up to 30 % and 60 %, respectively. Further research needs to validate the possible savings and further detail the functional modules of the concept. Working towards this research goal will not only enhance operational efficiency and competitiveness for SMEs in control cabinet production but will also take a significant step towards industrialization and digitalization in high-wage countries.