Sustainable Production Through Competency Development in Smart Manufacturing

With the increasing global emphasis on sustainability, it is crucial to explore strategies that enable industries to adopt environmentally friendly and resource-efficient manufacturing processes. The study specifically focuses on enhancing the competencies of professionals in additive manufacturing, a multidisciplinary field encompassing mechanical engineering, electronics, and computer science, to contribute to sustainable production practices. Problem-centered and guided expert interviews were conducted with 12 experts from diverse industries to accomplish this. The interviews were transcribed verbatim, and Mayring's content analysis method was employed to evaluate the transcripts. This methodology identified vital competencies, including knowledge of technology and materials, part identification skills, and a comprehensive understanding of the AM process chain. The findings also highlighted the significance of soft or interpersonal skills, such as teamwork, effective communication, adapting to multicultural and diverse environments, and more. Furthermore, the interviews revealed opportunities for sustainability and emphasized the importance of increased collaboration among companies and universities involved in AM. The insights gained from this research will inform the development of training programs and guidelines to foster sustainable production in advanced manufacturing.