Software Engineering Institute

Small manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) face a number of challenges when selecting and implementing advanced manufacturing technologies. These challenges may include the lack of awareness of the specific technologies and commercial products available, the lack of ability to select the appropriate product, and the lack of skill sets needed to utilize the selection techniques. This paper documents the actual process and benefits of advanced software technologies adoption by two SMEs. Considerations for defining requirements and selecting a software product are described. This note explains the issues involved for SMEs, presents methods they can use, and provides artifacts used in this documented case.