Proposing a Gamified Solution for SMEs' Use of Messaging Technology in Smart Manufacturing

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face exceptional challenges in implementing smart manufacturing solutions. Specifically, SMEs often struggle with understanding advanced technologies well enough to implement them and reap the benefits. In this paper, we discuss one specific instance of this problem, namely implementation of data standards for effective business-to-business communications. We propose a possible solution to aid in lowering barriers for SMEs to access and apply technologies for data standardization, a vital part of effective business-to-business communications. Our solution takes a gamified approach by working to conceptualize the SMEs' data into a story with fill-in-the-blanks, similar to a Mad LibT. We believe that the development and implementation of this tool would provide numerous benefits including, but not limited to, boosting morale, making new technology and standards more approachable, and improving the learning experience.