Open Access Digital Tools’ Application Potential in Technological Process Planning: SMMEs Perspective

Abstract : This concept study focuses on technological process planning (TPP), taking into account the application potential of open access digital tools (OADT) in small- and medium-scale manufacturing enterprises (SMMEs). It presents the authors’ classification of digital tools (DT) used in the SMMEs and available groups of OADT. It also proposes possible scenarios’ potential for future TPP by taking into account the developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and immersive technologies, i.e. virtual and augmented realities (VR/AR). It also focuses on challenges and procedures regarding the implementation of DT in specific SMMEs’ environments, focusing on how open access tools play a crucial role at the first stages of SMME development, as these tools enable minimization of resource wastage. Although the capabilities of these tools are limited, it is vital to develop implementation strategies within a SMME, based on specific need(s).