Navigating the Complex Cloud Manufacturing Landscape A Multi-Context Framework for Informed Adoption Decision-Making

Abstract

The adoption of Cloud Manufacturing (CMfg), a service-oriented paradigm leveraging cloud and IoT technologies, is hindered by technical, organizational, human, and environmental challenges, as well as a lack of comprehensive adoption frameworks. This study develops and validates a multi-context conceptual framework to address these issues, incorporating insights from extensive literature and real-world practices. Using a qualitative multi-case study methodology, semi-structured interviews with platform providers, resource providers, and users were conducted to identify key adoption factors across five contexts: technological, organizational, environmental, business, and human. The framework was further operationalized into an Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP)-based assessment tool, enabling decision-makers to evaluate CMfg adoption readiness systematically. Findings reveal shared motivators and barriers across stakeholder groups, while also highlighting context-specific priorities, underscoring the need for a holistic approach to CMfg adoption. This research contributes a validated framework and practical decision-support tool to advance CMfg adoption and provides actionable insights for diverse industrial contexts.