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Article
Publication date: 1 March 2005

Steven W. Congden

Scholars have widely asserted that a firm’s manufacturing technologies must be aligned with its competitive strategy. This study tests the existence of such a strategy‐technology

Abstract

Scholars have widely asserted that a firm’s manufacturing technologies must be aligned with its competitive strategy. This study tests the existence of such a strategy‐technology “fit”, determines whether good fit results in better performance, and examines the nature of fit in light of computer controlled or “advanced manufacturing technologies”. For a sample of 399 metal machining firms, a strategy‐technology alignment was found to exist and relate to higher financial performance. Advanced manufacturing technologies were found to both reinforce and alter conventional thinking about the flexibility‐efficiency tradeoff. Specific technologies were found to be uniquely bundled or combined to support specific competitive requirements.

Details

Competitiveness Review: An International Business Journal, vol. 15 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1059-5422

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2006

Qingyu Zhang, Mark A. Vonderembse and Mei Cao

To respond to increasing environmental uncertainty, manufacturers are enhancing flexible manufacturing competence (FMC) as a source of competitive advantage. This study aims to…

3697

Abstract

Purpose

To respond to increasing environmental uncertainty, manufacturers are enhancing flexible manufacturing competence (FMC) as a source of competitive advantage. This study aims to extend research on FMC to its antecedent variables by investigating the impacts of advanced manufacturing technology and operations improvement practices (OIP) on FMC.

Design/methodology/approach

Using survey data from 273 manufacturing firms, this research tests additive, mediating, and moderating models that relate these variables.

Findings

Among three alternative models, the moderating model is best supported. The results indicate that advanced manufacturing technology has a stronger positive impact on FMC when OIP are effectively implemented than when they are not.

Research limitations/implications

The research focuses attention on the antecedent variables to production competence, rather than on the concept and positive performance effect of production competence.

Practical implications

For managers, the issue is not simply purchasing automation but developing OIP to effectively use advanced manufacturing technologies, thereby achieving the magnifying effects of human capital on FMC.

Originality/value

This paper investigates FMC and its antecedent variables by testing three alternative models, and it offers assistance to managers who are implementing advanced manufacturing technologies and OIP.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 26 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 1997

Michael H. Small and Mahmoud M. Yasin

Uses information gathered from the advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) literature to develop an integrated conceptual framework for effectively planning and implementing these…

1726

Abstract

Uses information gathered from the advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) literature to develop an integrated conceptual framework for effectively planning and implementing these systems. Then examines the efficacy of this framework by investigating the relationship between adoption of various advanced manufacturing technology (AMT), the way that firms plan for and implement them and their eventual performance. A detailed survey instrument was administered to a cross‐section of manufacturing firms in the USA to collect the required data. The results of this investigation indicate that the rate of adoption for integrated technologies was higher among firms that adopted more extensive formal planning approaches. In addition, these firms were found to be outperforming other firms. Also provides managerial and research implications of these and the other findings of this study.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 17 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2001

Budiman Saleh, Marla Hacker and Sabah Randhawa

This paper presents an integrated framework for the selection of attributes used in the evaluation of advanced manufacturing systems. The primary focus in the development of this…

1713

Abstract

This paper presents an integrated framework for the selection of attributes used in the evaluation of advanced manufacturing systems. The primary focus in the development of this framework is the modularity of the framework so that it is applicable to a wide range of advanced manufacturing systems with differing process configurations and technologies. Based on data collected from industry and the current body of knowledge, decision attributes were identified and ranked relatively against each other, forming a hierarchy of decision attributes. To simplify the hierarchy, making it more user‐friendly in real‐world applications, each decision attribute was also evaluated relative to the strength of its relationships to other decision attributes. Several decision attributes were found to be highly correlated with others, resulting in a new, single decision attribute. The final decision attribute hierarchy provides managers responsible for making capital decisions involving advanced manufacturing technologies with a framework for their decision making.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 21 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2005

Louis Raymond and Josée St‐Pierre

In order to deepen one's knowledge and further build theory on the implementation and use of advanced manufacturing systems (AMS) in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), the…

2635

Abstract

Purpose

In order to deepen one's knowledge and further build theory on the implementation and use of advanced manufacturing systems (AMS) in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), the present research seeks to explore the following questions: What is the present level of AMS sophistication in SMEs? What characteristics of the SMEs' strategic, organizational and entrepreneurial context are associated with higher levels of AMS sophistication? And what are the operational and business performance impacts of this sophistication for small and medium‐sized manufacturers?

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of 248 Canadian manufacturers was used to collect data that were analyzed by structured equation modeling.

Findings

AMS sophistication significantly impacts both the operational performance and the business performance of SMEs. Antecedents of this sophistication include the education and experience of the owner‐manager, the strategic orientation of the firm, the type of production, and the commercial dependency of small manufacturers.

Research limitations/implications

The nature of the sample and perceptual nature of certain measures impose care in generalizing the results of the study. Future research should examine environmental factors (e.g. environmental uncertainty) and structural factors (e.g. structural complexity) in particular for added explanatory power of AMS sophistication.

Practical implications

Small business managers, wanting to increase their firm's manufacturing flexibility, reduce costs, improve quality, and eventually increase profitability, should look at the present level of AMS sophistication in conjunction with their strategic intent.

Originality/value

Given the dearth of empirical knowledge in this regard, the present study has contributed to a better understanding of the nature and state of AMS sophistication in small manufacturing firms, and of the antecedents and outcomes of this sophistication.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 25 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2001

Paul Prabhaker

Asserts that there are two forces at work in the business environment that are requiring organizations to rethink their business models: the power of customers and changes in…

3022

Abstract

Asserts that there are two forces at work in the business environment that are requiring organizations to rethink their business models: the power of customers and changes in technology. Suggests that companies are moving away from customer‐relationship‐management to customer‐managed relationships. Discusses how successful manufacturing businesses adapt to “high pressure” markets. These organizations leverage advanced manufacturing technologies, such as flexible tooling, computer‐aided design and computer‐integrated manufacturing control systems, to significantly improve their strategic marketing capabilities.

Details

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol. 16 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0885-8624

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1992

Amrik S. Sohal and Mohini Singh

Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (AMTs) present a majorchallenge for managers; that is, the successful adoption andimplementation of AMT and the translating of technical…

Abstract

Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (AMTs) present a major challenge for managers; that is, the successful adoption and implementation of AMT and the translating of technical benefits into business benefits in the marketplace. There are many factors that are critical to achieving this success. The authors discuss the key success factors and highlight some of the common problems experienced by firms during the planning and implementation of AMT.

Details

Logistics Information Management, vol. 5 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-6053

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2001

Alexander Wagner, Douglas Edward Turner and Terry Anthony Byrd

The focus of this investigation is to distinguish the difference between technologies and processes found in manufacturing environments, where the magnitude and order of these…

Abstract

The focus of this investigation is to distinguish the difference between technologies and processes found in manufacturing environments, where the magnitude and order of these associations may provide insight into the degree that each may require from a “push‐pull” perspective. Each organization is divided into two differing parameters of communication: internal and external. The results suggest that advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs) and advanced manufacturing processes (AMPs) are positively related, while a technology such as EDI is not equally distributed between the concepts of internal and external communications. The predominant research design for analyzing the impact of a new technology on an organization has been the case study design, which does not provide a consistent basis for comparing and generalizing results. This study employs the survey design and provides a better insight into the effects of AMTs and AMPs.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 101 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 June 2021

Ming K. Lim, Weiqing Xiong and Chao Wang

In the last decade, cloud manufacturing (CMfg) has attracted considerable attention from academia and industry worldwide. It is widely accepted that the design and analysis of…

Abstract

Purpose

In the last decade, cloud manufacturing (CMfg) has attracted considerable attention from academia and industry worldwide. It is widely accepted that the design and analysis of cloud manufacturing architecture (CMfg-A) are the basis for developing and applying CMfg systems. However, in existing studies, analysis of the status, development process and internal characteristics of CMfg-A is lacking, hindering an understanding of the research hotspots and development trends of CMfg-A. Meanwhile, effective guidance is lacking on the construction of superior CMfg-As. The purpose of this paper is to review the relevant research on CMfg-A via identification of the main layers, elements, relationships, structure and functions of CMfg-A to provide valuable information to scholars and practitioners for further research on key CMfg-A technologies and the construction of CMfg systems with superior performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study systematically reviews the relevant research on CMfg-A across transformation process to internal characteristics by integrating quantitative and qualitative methods. First, the split and reorganization method is used to recognize the main layers of CMfg-A. Then, the transformation process of six main layers is analysed through retrospective analysis, and the similarities and differences in CMfg-A are obtained. Subsequently, based on systematic theory, the elements, relationships, structure and functions of CMfg-A are inductively studied. A 3D printing architecture design case is conducted to discuss the weakness of the previous architecture and demonstrate how to improve it. Finally, the primary current trends and future opportunities are presented.

Findings

By analyzing the transformation process of CMfg-A, this study finds that CMfg-A resources are developing from tangible resources into intangible resources and intelligent resources. CMfg-A technology is developing from traditional cloud computing-based technology towards advanced manufacturing technology, and CMfg-A application scope is gradually expanding from traditional manufacturing industry to emerging manufacturing industry. In addition, by analyzing the elements, relationships, structure and functions of CMfg-A, this study finds that CMfg-A is undergoing a new generation of transformation, with trends of integrated development, intelligent development, innovative development and green development. Case study shows that the analysis of the development trend and internal characteristics of the architecture facilitates the design of a more effective architecture.

Research limitations/implications

This paper predominantly focuses on journal articles and some key conference papers published in English and Chinese. The reason for considering Chinese articles is that CMfg was proposed by the Chinese and a lot of Chinese CMfg-A articles have been published in recent years. CMfg is suitable for the development of China’s manufacturing industry because of China’s intelligent manufacturing environment. It is believed that this research has reached a reliable comprehensiveness that can help scholars and practitioners establish new research directions and evaluate their work in CMfg-A.

Originality/value

Prior studies ignore the identification and analysis of development process and internal characteristics for the current development of CMfg-A, including the main layers identification of different CMfg-As and the transformation process analysis of these main layers, and in-depth analysis of the inner essence of CMfg-A (such as its elements, relationships, structure and functions). This study addresses these limitations and provides a comprehensive literature review.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 121 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 December 2017

Raman Kumar, Harwinder Singh and Rohit Chandel

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to explore the relationship between success parameters and implementation of advanced manufacturing technology (AMT); and second, to…

1127

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to explore the relationship between success parameters and implementation of advanced manufacturing technology (AMT); and second, to examine the changes required in manufacturing system as a result of AMT implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

The first order confirmatory factor analysis was performed to validate the presence of observed variables on their respective latent variable. Structural equation modeling is used to test the considered eight hypotheses.

Findings

The finding indicates that all five success factors are positively related to the AMT implementation. The redesign in the production system and organization strategy is directly related to the AMT implementation. The notable finding is the AMT implementation has no direct impact on the redesign of human resource, but it has mediated impact through the production system.

Research limitations/implications

The originality and reliability of data collected for research purpose merely depends upon information and the accessible resources.

Originality/value

The outcome of the present work gives rise to meaningful implications for researchers and practitioners as well.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 29 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

Keywords

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