Implementation of digital manufacturing technologies: Antecedents and consequences

Abstract

The use of digital manufacturing technologies (DMTs) is changing the face of the manufacturing landscape and enhancing the competitiveness of firms. However, its implementation is still a relatively unexplored phenomenon and demands attention. The purpose of this study is to determine the role played by technological context, organizational context, and environmental context of firms in the implementation of the DMTs. A hypothesized model is proposed and tested using survey-based data from the International Manufacturing Strategy Survey VI comprising 931 firms across developed and developing countries. The proposed research model gains support from the technology–organization–environment framework and the combinatorial technology evolution theory, which together provide a holistic understanding of the technology implementation process in terms of its enablers and performance outcomes. We find that although the organizational context and environmental context impact DMTs' implementation, these impacts are mediated through the technological context of the firm. Moreover, the implementation of these technologies has a significant impact on firm performance in terms of flexibility, design, delivery, and quality performance. Contributing to the empirical research gap in the domain of DMTs’ implementation, this study also generates insights for practitioners about the complementarity of the technological, organizational, and environmental factors that together enable the implementation of DMTs and enhance firm performance.