D.H.R. Price

A review of manufacturing flexibility

Abstract In the field of operations management, manufacturing flexibility has been the subject of much academic enquiry. Moreover, the need for this fundamental characteristic has never been more urgent. However, a comprehensive understanding of the subject remains elusive. An extensive review of the literature is used to examine the issues surrounding the concept of manufacturing flexibility. Specifically: the use of manufacturing flexibility as a strategic objective, the relationship flexibility has with environmental uncertainty, the use of taxonomies as a vehicle for furthering understanding of the types of flexibility, the nature of flexibility, and its measurement. Through this process of synthesis, the paper attempts to establish the extent to which knowledge of manufacturing flexibility has now progressed. Suggestions for future research topics in flexibility are also presented.

The role of qualitative methods in production management research

Abstract This paper examines previous approaches to the identification and measurement of strategic flexibility and concludes that the use of quantitative methods alone cannot capture the essence of such a complex and intangible subject. It is reasoned that a holistic approach to research design should be adopted when carrying out particular categories of production management research. A research design used to investigate the concept of strategic flexibility in manufacturing industry is briefly outlined as an illustration. The role of the case study within this and the contribution it was able to make to the investigation is described.

A system to support the enhancement of strategic flexibility in manufacturing enterprises

Manufacturing companies are finding it necessary to change their corporate strategy with increasing frequency, as a result of more rapid changes either in the demands made by customers or in the companys view of business. However, it is only possible to respond to these pressures for change if the information systems of the organisation are capable of helping the companies meet these new requirements. The aim of the work described here is to develop a decision support system (DSS) that will help companies to enhance their strategic flexibility, that is to increase the ability of their systems to support a broader range of corporate strategies. The development of this system is discussed. Particular attention is paid to describing the structure of the DSS and the manner in which the extensive fieldwork carried out with UK manufacturing businesses has provided information about the appropriate factors and parameters to be included in the system. Possible further development of the DSS is briefly considered.

The selection of information systems for production management: An evolving problem

Abstract The incidence of successful implementations of computer technology in manufacturing enterprises is disappointingly low. This paper argues that the selection of the manufacturing management information system is an essential activity in successful implementation, and that the problem is becoming more complex. A full account of the selection process used by one UK manufacturer is described to illustrate the benefits of using a selection and evaluation methodology based on the systematic application of several simple but effective procedures.

Defining production management core applications for smaller businesses

Abstract The principal (core) production management applications in which the computer could be used in smaller companies are identified. The order in which different components of a general purpose production management package should be developed is specified. An analysis of data from a survey of the production management systems either used by or required by small companies, essentially involved the complete enumeration of all possibilities. Whether existing computer users, non users, or both groups were considered, the same set of five applications emerged as those to be developed first. If insufficient resources are available to develop all five applications, a sensitivity analysis of a four core solution is also presented.

The application of microcomputers in production management

The findings reported result from a questionnaire survey, and a number of company interviews. Further questions which need to be answered are identified, and a research project to provide these answers is outlined.

Information Systems for Use by Production Management in Smaller Manufacturing Enterprises

This paper presents the results of a research project designed to investigate the possibilities of developing generic software for use by production management in smaller manufacturing enterprises (SME). This has exploited the latest development in fourth generation languages (4GLs). A survey was carried out to establish the current state-of-the-art in computer assisted production management (CAPM) and to identify key areas to be included in the development. The results of this led to the inclusion of materials management, production planning (imaterials and resources), production progressing and costing as the basic cores in the system developed. The choice of 4GL was seen as a crucial factor to the success of the project. The wide availability of these meant that a formalized procedure needed to be developed to select that used by the project team: DAT AFIT DP4. To facilitate the generic nature of the software, and to contribute to its flexibility, a general model of the production process was constructed, built on control theory principles. The data models were based on this. The problems of identifying the functionality to be incorporated into the cores was overcome by the development of a process ‘template prototyping’ by which a structured stage-by-stage brainstorming framework was employed. The generic software developed has been field tested with collaborators in a variety of modes, including prototyping.

A comparison of applications of microcomputers in production

Earlier research has established that the full potential of microcomputers is not being achieved by production management in small companies. Moreover, questionnaire results and in-company interviews were used to support suggested reasons for this situation. This paper reports further work carried out to examine the issues raised in far more detail. Collaboration took place with nine separate companies over a range of applications. Three of these case studies are presented in detail, and general conclusions drawn relating both to these specific studies and to the total collaboration.

Fourth generation languages and integrated information systems for small manufacturing companies

Abstract In 1982, as part of a major research project, a study was carried out into the use of computers in production management in small companies. This was followed by collaboration with a number of organisations. This collaboration included the evaluation of particular potential areas for computer applications, feasibility study, detailed systems design and in most cases software development. In turn, a second project was funded to examine how fourth generation languages (4GLs) could contribute to the development of integrated production information systems. This paper reports the results of the study designed to compare the situation with respect to production management computer usage in small companies six years on, to identify some of the contributions 4GLs operating with relational databases could bring in this context, and to establish those facets of the area most likely to benefit from this development.

Information systems as a key facilitator of manufacturing flexibility: a documented application

The desire to exploit new process technology and the need to reduce costs and throughput times, to accelerate new product introductions, and to insure against market uncertainties have contributed to the increased importance manufactur ing enterprises attach to manufacturing flexibility. The Manufacturing Management Information System (MMIS) is a central component in the manufacturing enterprises quest to achieve these key objectives yet its role is frequently neglected when formulating strategy. This paper explores the operational mismatch which often arises between the preferred mode of operation of the MMIS and that dictated by the enterprises developing and changing strategic and hence operational