Applied Research

Factors influencing success and failure of automation adoption in manufacturing: Manager perceptions

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Abstract

For over 60 years, automation in the manufacturing industry has been a subject of interest due to its varying success rate across companies. This paper investigates the perspectives of industry managers on factors influencing the success and failure of automation adoption. Utilizing the Delphi method, 16 Midwest managers experienced in manufacturing automation were surveyed. Factors contributing to success and failure were initially identified from literature and further refined through participants. Results highlighted key factors for successful adoption, including clearly defined automation objectives and safety considerations. Conversely, factors associated with failed adoption included lack of technological understanding, insufficient financial planning, and misalignment of technology complexity with organizational capabilities. The study underscores the importance of strategic planning, worker involvement, and comprehending technology implications for successful automation adoption. This research establishes the groundwork for an automation adoption roadmap within manufacturing industries, emphasizing the need for further exploration across varied manufacturing sectors and the incorporation of worker perspectives.

Keywords: Automation Adoption, Industry Managers' Perspective, Delphi Method, Midwest Region, Manufacturing Automation, Success Factors, Failure Factors

How to Cite:

Benjamin, R., Ryan, S. J. & Freeman, S. A., (2026) “Factors influencing success and failure of automation adoption in manufacturing: Manager perceptions”, The Journal of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering 41(2), 1-14. doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/jtmae.17759