Framework for Robust Design and Reliability Methods to Develop Frugal Manufacturing Systems

Emerging markets are rapidly growing. Manufacturing systems in these markets have to be cost-effective but still of high quality. In addition they are often exposed to harsh conditions e.g. climate, infrastructure and lack of knowledge. Consequently, local conditions as well as reliability and robustness methods must be explicitly taken into account during the development process to successfully develop high quality yet cost-effective manufacturing systems for these specific markets. This paper shows different views on robustness and reliability to overcome the geographical and cultural distance of emerging markets for industrial equipment manufacturers from industrialized countries. In addition, framework conditions for robust design and reliability methods are derived in order to develop frugal manufacturing systems, aiming to improve sustainable usage in emerging markets.