Manufacturing Operations Effectiveness Through Knowledge Based Design

Abstract

Increasing global competition, rapid technological development, customization and speed to market of products and services are driving firms to maintain complex, yet efficient manufacturing capabilities. A growing number of firms are becoming multinational enterprises in order to strategically position themselves to serve global markets with worldwide manufacturing operations. It is a dynamic business environment with fast changing market and consumer needs. These conditions have prompted manufacturers to design equipments to accommodate new products without expensive retooling. It has enabled them to move into new markets rapidly and leave just as quickly. These new markets impose demands for products to match specific consumer needs that require customizing products or even altering an entire product line. Facilities are now being utilized for new products, which enable manufacturers to create rapid prototypes in short duration. Flexible manufacturing is assisting firms to offer lower costs with faster turnaround time and better utilization of production facilities and equipment. Quality of products is more uniform and predictable with low wastage on scrap and rework. It is increasingly becoming evident to manufacturers that through integration, standardization and proceduralization there are tremendous opportunities for, (1) improvements in product quality, and material handling, and (2) reduction in product design time, manufacturing set-ups, and factory and office overheads.

Adapted from the paper by authors: Chandra, Charu and Kumar, Sameer, (2003), “Enhancing Manufacturing Operations Effectiveness Through Knowledge Based Design”, Integrated Manufacturing Systems, Vol. 14, No. 3, pp. 278–292.