Agility through CAD/CAM integration: An examination in an Indian electronics switches manufacturing company

Abstract

Purpose

This paper's aim is to examine the application feasibility of Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technologies for achieving agility in a typical manufacturing organization.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature study was conducted. It was found out that CAD/CAM technology is not fully utilised for achieving agility in certain traditional manufacturing sectors. An implementation study was conducted in an electronics switches manufacturing company to identify the causes of this insufficient utilisation. Finally, a feedback session was conducted to explore the practitioners' views of this research.

Findings

The outcome of this research indicated the feasibility of adopting CAD/CAM as a technology for infusing agility in contemporary manufacturing organisations.

Research limitations/implications

This research was conducted in only one electronics switches manufacturing company situated in India. This may lead to the impression that the findings from this research may not represent all manufacturing companies. However, the environment prevailing in the above company is similar to that prevailing in any other contemporary manufacturing organizations. Hence, the outcome of the research could represent other manufacturing organisations situated throughout the world.

Practical implications

The research reported in this paper has shown the way of adopting CAD/CAM as a technology for achieving agility and examined the hindrances that have to be overcome in future to integrate CAD/CAM in practical scenario.

Originality/value

Significant researches have been pursued in agile manufacturing and CAD/CAM fields. However, no researcher has attempted to examine the practicality of adopting CAD/CAM as a technology for infusing agility in practical scenario. Hence, this work is original and valuable.

Citation

Vinodh, S., Sundararaj, G., Devadasan, S.R. and Rajanayagam, D. (2009), "Agility through CAD/CAM integration: An examination in an Indian electronics switches manufacturing company", Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol. 20 No. 2, pp. 197-217. https://doi.org/10.1108/17410380910929628