A. De Toni

Manufacturing flexibility: A literature review

In this article an attempt is made to classify the vast literature regarding manufacturing flexibility; the aim is to contribute to the conceptual systemization of the debate, whose richness plays witness of the abundance of themes and the difficulty of obtaining a unitary and univocal framework. The literature on manufacturing flexibility is analysed according to a scheme which considers six different aspects: (1) definition of flexibility, (2) request for flexibility, (3) classification in dimensions of flexibility (the authors group the various classifications proposed according to different logics: horizontal, vertical, temporal, by the object of the variation, mixed), (4) measurement of flexibility, (5) choices for flexibility, (6) interpretation of flexibility.

Lean organization, management by process and performance measurement

Shows how the pursuit of excellence and the organizational change required by lean production leads to a management‐by‐process organization, and that management by process influences the performance measurement system (PMS). Uses Zanussi‐Electrolux ‐ the biggest European producer of domestic appliances ‐ as a case study example. Provides a detailed analysis of the organizational change and its effects on performance measurement.

Supply networks: Genesis, stability and logistics implications. A comparative analysis of two districts

This study concerns networks whose elements are made up of manufacturing units linked by supply relationships. The authors, comparing the evolution of two industrial districts, analyse the variables that determine or impede the formation of strong linked buyer-suppliers systems, influence the network stability and fashion the logistic pipeline mapping and management. Three central propositions are discussed: (a) the setting up of a supply network process is connected to the presence of operational interdependencies between the units of the supply chain; (b) the stability and effectiveness of a supply network is closely bound to the ability, on the part of the core-firm, to plan the governance structure of the supply relationship; and (c) the product structure and the nature of the process influence the networking process.

An instrument for quality performance measurement

Abstract An instrument for evaluating the quality performance measurement level and the quality performance results is presented. The instrument is based on the classification of quality in categories and classes; for each of them, the objects of the evaluation, the methodologies, techniques and indicators most useful and used for the quality measurement and control are described. The instrument was tested in two large Italian manufacturing companies (Eaton Controls S.p.A. and Zanussi Elettrodomestici S.p.A.) and gave satisfactory results for the set up and improvement of the quality performance measurement and control system, and permitted a more effective benchmarking in relation to the quality performances.

Product and process standardization in intermittent and repetitive production

After having described the plants used for intermittent and repetitive production, the authors show how the standardization of (both) product and process modifies the operating conditions under which the plants function. These altered operating conditions call for the selection of new plants which are more suited to operating under the new production conditions.

From Functional to Cellular Manufacturing Systems

In the last decade some case and simulation studies showed how moving from a traditional functional layout to a group technology cellular one could be disadvantageous, opening a debate about the actual attractiveness of such a conversion.

Work-in-process evaluation in job-shop and flexible manufacturing systems: modelling and empirical testing

The authors investigate how work-in-process can be reduced when passing from a job-shop to a flexible manufacturing system. As explained in the paper, the problem can be brought back to analyzing how lead time can be shortened. Lead time evaluation formulas for a job-shop and a flexible manufacturing system are therefore proposed. In the case of job-shop systems the formula is empirically tested by comparing estimated values with data collected in a manufacturing firm. Thus, by comparing the relations proposed, the factors concurring to reduce work-in-process when passing from a job-shop to a flexible manufacturing system are identified: the different ways of processing in the two systems and the possibility of reducing lot size.

Lot Production: A Rule-Based Expert System Approach

The decisions regarding the size and the production release of lots are of fundamental importance in the productive contexts working on lots: the level of client service, the entity of work-in-process and the respect for delivery times depend on these decisions. The authors have developed a model for the realization of a “ruled-based” expert system prototype, which is able to construct and release, at the appropriate moment, lots of satisfactory dimension in respect to specified constraints. In fact, the expert system approach, particurarly aimed at implementing the knowledge base of the system, requires first of all the drawing up of a functional model that represents the probable typical logical processe of the decisions to be taken by a human expert. The proposed model carries out an interesting integration of the typical procedures of the Material Requirements Planning (MRP), Capacity Requirements Planning (CRP) and detail scheduling.

Performance and Organisation of Very Small Firms in the Supply Chain

The authors present some results of an empirical research aimed at investigating the evolution of the relationship between large purchasing firms operating on the international market and very small subcontractor firms. The factors that have proved critical in establishing the process of subcontracting are identified and analysed. Under pressure from the high level of international competition, purchasing firms are beginning to demand better qualified and better skilled subcontractors. For many very small firms it effectively means that they are excluded from the large firms’ production cycle or are relegated to a lower position in the supply chain. There are three possible evolutionary paths open to the very small firms, paths which are not alternatives: operational and management repositioning, strategic repositioning in the area of the “product” and strategic repositioning in the area of the “market”.

Implementing Automation in Manufacturing Systems: Some Issues Regarding Engineer Education

Abstract In this article we wish to submit our experience in the drawing up of a course directed at neo-graduate Italian engineers for specialization in the Management of Manufacturing Automation Technologies. The reasons behind the drawing up of the course are described. The professional figure expected to emerge is a manager able to give a real contribution in the transition from traditional technologies to integrated flexible technologies. The training path is described and we give a short summary of the content of the programme, from which it becomes clear that special emphasis is given to themes regarding the implementation of automation and all its organizational and managerial implications. The most important themes outlined in the programme are: the definition of an automation plan; organizational changes; project management; management of supplier relationships (both traditional suppliers and suppliers of automation products); changes in management systems. The paper concludes with a description of the present state of progress of the project and with the precise definition of the multinational companies guaranteeing their sponsorship.