This paper reports the findings of a survey study 32 U.S. firms involved with cellular manufacturing. Areas covered include reasons for establishing cells, benefits achieved, types and sizes extent cellularization in plants, methods used to design changes planning control systems, labour-related issues important experiences gained by companies. The data presented here were collected as part larger various group technology (GT) applications which 53 companies participated. GT other than...

Despite the increasing popularity of cellular manufacturing, by now a firmly entrenched approach to factory work organization, number large-scale systematic studies aimed at investigating issues surrounding implementation is still relatively sparse. This paper reports on survey study plants involved with manufacturing. A target population high-probability users received mail questionnaires designed collect responses related characteristics industry cells and firms that have implemented them...

Abstract One of the first, and most important, problems faced in design a cellular manufacturing system is identification part families machine groups simultaneous or subsequent evaluation associated cell properties. This formation problem embedded larger process. article first discusses general process its objectives then proposes framework for structuring problem, which encompasses four basic solution approaches. These approaches are based on fundamental ways identified matched within The...

Abstract Both industry and academia are currently devoting considerable interest to cellular manufacturing systems. Despite this growing attention, the existing literature does not adequately address a number of issues related successful adoption these This paper identifies large research topics manufacturing, discusses need for their investigation, suggests appropriate methodologies study. agenda is presented in context four important decision areas new technology adoption—applicability,...

The growing importance of service delivery highlights the need for well designed and operated systems. A frame‐work, developed from perspective an operations manager, can aid in understanding production, assist identification appropriate design strategies, prescribe associated system choices. major dimensions taxonomy are characteristics system/customer interface (direct, indirect, or no customer contact) attributes process (rigid fluid processes).

Abstract This paper presents a cell formation method which integrates the issues of and with in-cell material flows. A coefficient assesses similarity two parts in terms their operation sequences is proposed used to form part families cells. Further, within-cell machine sequence loads are explicitly considered design process. The methodology has been operationalized through several computer programs )written FORTRAN 77) implemented on an IBM/PC, An application hypothetical problem provided.

This paper reports the findings of a survey 53 US users group technology (GT). Respondent installations were medium to large electronics and metalworking manufacturers. They engaged predominantly in fabrication activities, producing number component parts and/or end items. These firms applied GT design, process planning (including NC programming), sales, purchasing, cost estimation, tooling, scheduling, new equipment sizing, tool selection. In majority cases, used classification coding...

SUMMARY This paper presents results from a simulation experiment evaluating 14 different single stage lot-sizing procedures. Uncertainty in the form of forecast errors was used as one factor experiment. In order to prevent service levels confounding cost comparisons, enough safety stock achieve 100% level all situations introduced. The ranking rules under uncertainty turned out be very when no demand present. Statistical differences were found between six best procedures there uncertainty....

Abstract The concept of focus [Skinner, W., 1974. focused factory. Harvard Business Review 52 (3), 113–121], notably operationalized in manufacturing entities like cells and factories, has also been adopted by the health care industry. Examples include patient‐focused systems product/service lines. Despite its longevity, there is a paucity studies analyzing link to performance, especially care. This research aimed at enhancing our understanding how focus‐based approach organization redesign...

ABSTRACT We conduct an empirical investigation of how a supplier's operational competence, as reflected by outcomes in the areas quality, cost, delivery, flexibility, and new product development, translates into financial gains from key customer. In contrast to previous research directed at firm level, this study focuses on supplier–customer relationship level. Using survey data 158 suppliers manufacturing industry, we perform structural equation modeling map out paths competence...

Abstract A company's manufacturing is often characterized as either make‐to‐stock (MTS), make‐to‐order (MTO), or assemble‐to‐order (ATO). This classification relates to the degree of interaction between technological core and market, with MTS involving least amount MTO highest contact. ATO represents a hybrid strategy for which parts subassemblies are made according forecasts while final assembly products delayed until customer orders have been received. It evident that each philosophy has...

Cell design is the most researched topic in area of cellular manufacturing. The preponderance studies has focused on development models to assist with cell formation, i.e. initial stage process where parts and equipment are determined. On other hand, fairly little known about broader context which takes place, processes that users follow. purpose this study was learn more methods, goals, considerations, constraints industrial apply formation layout, as well actual outcomes those (such...

Product change decisions, such as the frequency of new product introductions, can impact performance characteristics, sales, and market share several generations products and, therefore, a firm's long‐term survival growth. The purpose this study was to explore frequency, also referred intensity . A conceptual model linking its advantage—and, in turn, performance—with strategic orientation technology competence moderating effects, used foundation for study's hypotheses. These were tested...

Abstract This paper compares four part family scheduling procedures, which seek to avoid setups by sequencing similar jobs consecutively, with job procedures are oblivious of affiliations. Of these eight applied intermittently finite sets in stochastic and dynamic environments while the other rules dispatching heuristics dynamically same environments. The shop configuration is a 5-stage pure flow-line manufacturing cell. Besides determining ranking various operating environments, impact on...

Abstract One methodology for identifying alternative cell designs is the use of clustering algorithms coupled with dissimilarity measure. This paper investigates performance seven hierarchical techniques (six previously developed and one specifically formation) eight measures (three well‐known five versions a recently parametric measure) in context formation. Twenty‐four data sets, at close to 200 partition levels, ten performance, are used this purpose. We first identify which should not be...

There is little understanding as to why firms have various degrees of cell usage. The intent this study was identify factors that had arrested continued implementation cells at surveyed manufacturing plants. We found no dominant factor prevented the from cellularization. However, by sub‐dividing plants into those with low and high direct labor hours spent in cells, short long experience without plans for further a clearer pattern emerged. inability find families stable demand, lack time...

Executive Summary This paper discusses lot‐sizing in time‐phased order point systems under three different conditions: with no forecast errors present, present but safety stocks, and finally, stocks introduced to counter the effects of demand uncertainty. Fourteen single stage procedures have been observed during simulation experiments where each these operating environments modeled. The existence radically affects behavior compared situations without errors. For example, not only lead...

SUMMARY This paper considers the multi-dimensional effects of demand uncertainty (and other environmental characteristics) in connection with a time-phased order-point system rolling schedule environment. Recorded performance variables were: number stockouts, maximum stockout period, service level, inventory level and orders placed. The was observed under three conditions: no uncertainty, present but safety stocks to counter its effects. Stockouts, larger inventories more occurred...

This paper is concerned with the problem of maintaining open order due dates in job shops that plan and schedule their operations using Material Requirements Planning (MRP) methodology. Two different techniques for dealing date changes are analyzed customer service level total inventory performance measures. With first technique, called fixed approach, never changed from those originally assigned to orders when released shop. second dynamic all updated reflect actual need dates. Beyond...

Abstract Results are reported from an empirical study of classification and coding (CC) system usage among manufacturers. The investigation, selection, justification, implementation operation CC systems by six user firms presented in case form. A history a former is also presented. User characteristics experiences compared analysed across the seven cases. paper concludes with managerial research implications regarding usage.

The EOQ formula is definitely the oldest and best known single stage lot sizing technique. Its use reportedly dates back to 1904, even though it was not published until a later date. It often looked upon with scepticism by practitioners academicians alike, although reasons for this may differ; seems, however, be most widely used technique overall.

ABSTRACT A simulation study was conducted to investigate the behavior of family scheduling procedures in a dynamic dispatching environment. Two rules that incorporate setup avoidance mechanisms (FCFS‐F and SPT‐F) two do not (FCFS SPT) were applied single machine. The environment varied by controlling several important factors: machine utilization, number configurations (families), size times relative job run times, frequency which members part families released for processing, distribution...

Abstract The subject of factory automation is a critical one for all business functions, with the potential creating an entire upheaval in fields accounting, finance, marketing, general management, and most significantly, operations management. Totally new ways managing are likely, but it not yet clear what these may be. In spite tremendous implications technologies, little research being conducted this area. A panel session exploring topic was thus offered at 1984 Toronto meeting American...