Integration between Mechanical Engineering and Robotic Process Automation: A Way to Foster Sustainable Business Operations
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21910515Keywords:
Mechanical Engineering, Robotic Process Automation, Sustainable Business Operations, Cost Reduction, Operational Efficiency, Quality ImprovementAbstract
The integration of mechanical engineering and robotic process automation (RPA) has become increasingly important for improving organizational efficiency and achieving sustainable business operations. However, limited research has examined how engineering capabilities contribute to sustainability through both the positive and negative consequences of automation. This study investigates the direct effect of mechanical engineering on sustainable business operations and examines the mediating roles of cost reduction and operational efficiency, quality improvement, and robotization disadvantage. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was employed, and data were collected from 202 employees working in the automotive manufacturing industry using a structured questionnaire. The findings reveal that mechanical engineering significantly enhances sustainable business operations while positively influencing cost reduction and operational efficiency, quality improvement, and robotization disadvantage. Furthermore, cost reduction and operational efficiency together with quality improvement positively affect sustainable business operations, whereas robotization disadvantage exerts a significant negative effect. Mediation analysis confirms that all three variables significantly transmit the influence of mechanical engineering on sustainable business operations. The study extends the Resource-Based View by demonstrating how engineering capabilities create sustainable organizational value through multiple operational mechanisms. The findings provide valuable managerial insights for organizations seeking to balance automation benefits with sustainable operational performance.
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