A Classification of the Barriers in the Implementation Process of Reconfigurability

Implementing reconfigurability is essential to manufacturing companies that aim to make the transition from conventional to reconfigurable manufacturing systems (RMS). The novel technologies promoted by the industry 4.0 paradigm are key factors to make the implementation of reconfigurability possible. However, previous research highlights that there is a small number of studies that explore this idea of integrating reconfigurability and industry 4.0 technologies. In practice, companies recognize five core characteristics that enables reconfigurability: modularity, integrability, customisation, adaptability and diagnosability. This work conducts a literature review to identify the barriers in the process of implementing reconfigurability. After that, it classifies the barriers identified in three contexts: technology, organisation and environment. Finally, the paper discusses whether some of the industry 4.0 technologies can contribute to overcome these barriers. The findings show that technology and organisation barriers can be exceeded with the acquisition and use of some novel technologies promoted by the industry 4.0.