ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS ARISING FROM THE ADOPTION OF IoT IN THE FURNITURE MANUFACTURING PROCESS

Abstract

Purpose: Verify the possible contributions of adopting IoT (Internet of Things) in the furniture manufacturing process to mitigate environmental impact. Theoretical background: In order to build the theoretical lens to interpret the empirical data, the authors reviewed the scientific literature about Green Manufacturing, IoT Technology, as well as a characterization of the Furniture Market. Method/design/approach: We opted for a single case study strategy, in one of the largest furniture manufacturers in Brazil, a qualitative approach, data collection through semi-structured interviews with managers of the investigated organization, directly linked to manufacturing processes, in addition to documentary survey, from internal industry records and systematic participant observation. Results and conclusion: The research results showed that the Alfa industry adopts IoT technology, both to improve productive efficiency and to mitigate environmental impacts, in relation to better control of the energy matrix, consumption of inputs in the production process and to avoid/reduce the occurrence rework, control of internal movement and optimization of space for storing inputs and finished products. Research implications: As managerial contributions, we highlight the set of empirical evidence that points to the technical feasibility of adopting IoT technology in the furniture manufacturing, both to improve efficiency in the production process and to mitigate the environmental impact, which can induce further academic research and thus benefit the society. Originality/value: This is a study that is still little explored in the scientific literature.