Papers by Keyword: Manufacturing Flexibility

Abstract: This study aims to investigate the multidimensional and individual relationship between manufacturing flexibility and operational performance in manufacturing SMEs. A survey methodology was followed to collect data pertaining to the phenomena of manufacturing flexibility and operational performance in the SMEs using a single respondent design. The results provided evidence that manufacturing flexibility is positively and significantly associated with operational performance; suggesting that more flexible manufacturing system is equivalent to the higher operational performance. In addition, the results highlighted the important role of machine flexibility, product flexibility, volume flexibility, routing flexibility, and labor flexibility in improving the operational performance. Each of them contributed not equally, but positively, to all dimensions of operational performance. The findings aim at contributing towards understanding the manufacturing flexibility dimensions that give rise to operational performance. Keywords: manufacturing flexibility, operational performance; manufacturing SMEs

Abstract: In an increasing competitive market where offer exceeds demand, developing customer value is nowadays a key driver of industrial activities. Reducing costs, increasing quality, deliver on time and the introduction of the right product quickly are unavoidable elements to succeed. A higher product variety for mass production and short lead-time are main features of mass customization. Flexibility arises as a productive and competitive factor to face it, of particular interest in assembly systems, which allow the postponement of final variety, integrating all former tasks of the supply chain. In this scenario, flexibility helps to face uncertainty in decision-making, while the increase of system complexity requires extra control and management efforts. Both flexibility and complexity are briefly reviewed. Next, it is introduced a joint analysis of flexibility and complexity useful for decision-making. Both are linked to the uncertainty of the possible states of the system and a quantitative approach of general application is presented. Finally, based on a model simulation, a first case application illustrates product variety increase in an assembly system and some decisionmaking trade-offs.

Abstract: Using survey data, this research identified the relationship between technology orientation (manufacturing flexibility and advance manufacturing technology), and customer orientation (customer focus and customer satisfaction) to development of manufacturing strategy. This framework is then tested on a sample of 52 firms in plastics injection industry, Taipei County, Taiwan. The results show significant relationships in the framework with four models. They support the argument found in the literatures that manufacturing strategy builds should related to technological development and market place. Implications of the findings are discussed.