Integrating Cyber-Physical Systems in large manufacturing organizations : Analyzing organizational challenges and digital transformation strategy for integrating Cyber-Physical Systems in the welding process

Sammanfattning: In the industrial sector, next generation technologies are being rapidly developed. One of the promising technologies is cyber-physical systems which are being used to revolutionize the welding process. A cyber-physical system can greatly improve the welding processes by taking over the tasks performed by humans, such as analysis, control and sensing which results in increased efficiency, quality, and stability of the welding process. However, integrating cyber-physical systems in the welding process requires a digital transformation strategy that outlines how organizational and technical challenges are intended to be resolved. The aim of the study is to identify the organizational challenges of integrating cyber-physical systems, and how to overcome them with the use of a digital transformation strategy. For this, the study adopts a qualitative case study approach to investigate the organizational challenges of integrating a cyber-physical system in the welding process of a large manufacturing organization. Further, it outlines aspects required in a digital transformation strategy to succeed with the integration.  The findings indicate that common challenges when integrating cyber-physical systems revolve around building secure networks, securing competencies, committing to the integration, and achieving transparency between management and employees. In addition, when formulating a digital transformation strategy, the findings indicate three factors that contribute to the success of the transformation. These are involvement of critical digital skills, undergoing required structural changes and reengineering organizational work processes where the cyber-physical system aims to be integrated.  Besides providing practical implications for the challenges and formulation of a digital transformation strategy for implementing cyber-physical systems in the welding process, the study contributes to the literature on digital transformation strategy and cyber-physical systems in manufacturing organizations.