Interpretive structural modelling approach for barrier analysis in agent technology enabled smart manufacturing system

Over the years global challenge, flexibility, robustness, re-configurability and customised production have become the most desired needs of the modern manufacturing system. Thus, the utilisation of agent technology (AT) can have a crucial role in developing manufacturing systems that are exceptionally adaptable. The present study analyses the barriers for the implementation of AT which consists of two phases; identification of barriers and qualitative analysis. This research consists of three steps: 1) identification of most relevant barriers for AT implementation from the literature; 2) survey of Indian steering wheel manufacturing industry, rank the identified barriers; 3) establish the interrelationships among barriers. Interpretive structural modelling (ISM) and MICMAC analysis were embraced to understand the interdependency among barriers. This study seeks to identify the most dominant barrier for AT implementation in Indian manufacturing industry.