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1 – 10 of over 26000
Article
Publication date: 27 September 2019

Ijaz Ul Haq and Fiorenzo Franceschini

The purpose of this paper is to develop a preliminary conceptual scale for the measurement of distributed manufacturing (DM) capacity of manufacturing companies operating in…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a preliminary conceptual scale for the measurement of distributed manufacturing (DM) capacity of manufacturing companies operating in rubber and plastic sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-step research methodology is employed. In first step, the dimensions of DM and different levels of each dimension have been defined. In second step, an empirical analysis (cluster analysis) of database firms is performed by collecting the data of 38 firms operating in Italian mould manufacturing sector. Application case studies are then analyzed to show the use of the proposed DM conceptual scale.

Findings

A hyperspace, composed of five dimensions of DM, i.e. manufacturing localization; manufacturing technologies; customization and personalization; digitalization; and democratization of design, is developed and a hierarchy is defined by listing the levels of each dimension in an ascending order. Based on this hyperspace, a conceptual scale is proposed to measure the positioning of a generic company in the DM continuum.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical data are collected from Italian mould manufacturing companies operating in rubber and plastic sectors. It cannot be assumed that the industrial sectors in different parts of the world are operating under similar operational, regulatory and economic conditions. The results, therefore, might not be generalized to manufacturing companies operating in different countries (particularly developing countries) under different circumstances.

Originality/value

This is first preliminary scale of its kind to evaluate the positioning of companies with respect to their DM capacity. This scale is helpful for companies to compare their capacity with standard profiles and for decision making to convert the existing manufacturing operations into distributed operations.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 27 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 September 2022

Jun Zhan, Ziyan Zhang, Shun Zhang, Jiabao Zhao and Fuhong Wang

Despite servitization being widely regarded as an essential catalyst to improve manufacturing firms' survival and competitiveness, how to attain servitization remains debatable…

1172

Abstract

Purpose

Despite servitization being widely regarded as an essential catalyst to improve manufacturing firms' survival and competitiveness, how to attain servitization remains debatable. The primary objective of this research is to explore whether or not, how, and when the dynamic capabilities affect servitization in the digital economy background. This research investigates the relationships between servitization and dynamic capabilities by incorporating firm ownership, firm lifecycle stage, digital economy level and environmental uncertainty as contingency factors in the research framework.

Design/methodology/approach

This research develops and verifies a conceptual framework for manufacturing servitization by employing the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) in analyzing the secondary longitudinal data from 148 China-listed manufacturing firms involved in servitization from 2015 to 2020.

Findings

The analytical results of fsQCA identify several configurational solutions for the success of manufacturing servitization. Each factor can be an enabler for servitization success despite none of the factors discovered as an absolute condition. Manufacturing servitization success within the digital economy depends on the interactions between dynamic capabilities and contingency factors such as digital economy level, environmental uncertainty, firm ownership, and lifecycle stage.

Research limitations/implications

All of the construct's measurements in this research adopt secondary data, and further investigation calls for primary data (e.g. survey) for higher validity.

Originality/value

This research extends the current view of servitization by proposing an integrative conceptual framework, allowing manufacturing servitization to be examined more pertinently and comprehensively. Second, the research is an initial attempt that adopts fsQCA in servitization studies. The study sheds light on the mechanisms of attaining servitization by revealing the importance of dynamic capabilities and their interactions with the contingency factors. Third, the research extends the application scopes of dynamic capability theory, firm lifecycle theory, contingency theory, and institutional theory. Fourth, the research findings enrich the understanding of servitization in the digital economy and give business practitioners insights on leveraging dynamic capabilities in different conditions to attain successful servitization under the current circumstances.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 123 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 May 2017

Danni Chang and Chun-Hsien Chen

The purpose of this paper is to establish a cyber physical environment for digital product design and manufacturing. To realize this goal, the specific issue of integrating design

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish a cyber physical environment for digital product design and manufacturing. To realize this goal, the specific issue of integrating design knowledge-based system (KBS) and 3D printing (3DP) system is focused. A graphics generation method is thereby developed to transform the KBS outputs into graphical format which can be directly read and manufactured by 3DP system.

Design/methodology/approach

A graphics generation method is proposed in this paper. Through organizing alphanumeric outputs of the consultation session with a design KBS into parametric format, the consultation results can be directly used by computer-aided design (CAD) tools to generate graphical models which can be further exported into a 3DP system to produce physical objects.

Findings

The proposed graphics generation method can be effective to link design KBS and 3DP. Therefore, the seamless connection between design and prototyping systems can be realized, which further lays the communication foundation for a cyber physical environment for digital design and manufacturing.

Originality/value

This study provides research insights about potential cyber physical system applications in digital design and manufacturing area. Moreover, this paper contributes an effective technique to integrate design KBS and 3DP.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 117 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 19 September 2019

Aric Rindfleisch, Alan J. Malter and Gregory J. Fisher

Retailing thought and practice is premised on the assumption that consumers visit retailers to search for and acquire objects produced by manufacturers. In essence, we assume that…

Abstract

Retailing thought and practice is premised on the assumption that consumers visit retailers to search for and acquire objects produced by manufacturers. In essence, we assume that the acts of consuming and producing are conducted by separate entities. This unspoken yet familiar premise shapes the questions retail scholars ask and the way retail practitioners think about their industry. Although this assumption accurately depicted retailing since the Industrial Revolution, its relevance is being challenged by a growing set of individuals who are equipped with new digital tools to engage in self-manufacturing. In this chapter, we examine self-manufacturing with a particular focus on the recent rise of desktop 3D printing. After discussing this new technology and reviewing the literature, we offer a conceptual classification of four distinct types of 3D printed objects and use this classification to inform a content analysis of over 400 of these objects. Based on this review and analysis, we discuss the implications of self-manufacturing for retailing thought and practice.

Details

Marketing in a Digital World
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78756-339-1

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 January 2018

Haihua Zhu and Jing Li

Three-dimensional digital design and manufacturing technology are changing the current manufacturing pattern and have become the core of enterprise competition. However, the…

Abstract

Purpose

Three-dimensional digital design and manufacturing technology are changing the current manufacturing pattern and have become the core of enterprise competition. However, the research and application of three-dimensional digital technology in the present phase have a strong bias toward the design of three-dimensional model and focus little on process planning. It restricts the development of manufacturing industry. Therefore, this paper aims to present a design scheme of three-dimensional digital process planning.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-dimensional digital process design method is developed by combining model-based definition technology and knowledge engineering technology. Model-based definition technology is used to display the process information. And knowledge engineering technology is used for process decision; meanwhile, ontology technology is introduced to describe process knowledge. And taking shaft part as an example, this paper establishes the general ontology of manufacturing process and the special ontology of shaft. This research provides an available method for the three-dimensional digital process planning.

Findings

Traditional process planning mainly is based on two-dimensional engineering drawing, which leads to the low efficiency and quality of process planning. Moreover, it cannot achieve effective mining and management of knowledge. Thus, applying an effective knowledge management technology into a three-dimensional process system is necessary.

Research limitations/implications

This paper contributes to an available method for three-dimensional digital process planning.

Originality/value

The introduction of model-based definition technology makes process information display in three-dimensional environment. And ontology technology achieves sematic reference and efficient management of process knowledge.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 47 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 28 August 2021

Luca Gabriele De Vivo Nicoloso, Joshua Pelz, Herb Barrack and Falko Kuester

There are over 40 million amputees globally with more than 185,000 Americans losing their limbs every year. For most of the world, prosthetic devices remain too expensive and

2675

Abstract

Purpose

There are over 40 million amputees globally with more than 185,000 Americans losing their limbs every year. For most of the world, prosthetic devices remain too expensive and uncomfortable. This paper aims to outline advancements made by a multidisciplinary research group, interested in advancing the restoration of human motion through accessible lower limb prostheses.

Design/methodology/approach

Customization, comfort and functionality are the most important metrics reported by prosthetists and patients. The work of this paper presents the design and manufacturing of a custom made, cost-effective and functional three-dimensional (3D) printed transtibial prosthesis monocoque design. The design of the prosthesis integrates 3D imaging, modelling and optimization techniques coupled with additive manufacturing.

Findings

The successful fabrication of a functional monocoque prosthesis through 3D printing indicates the workflow may be a solution to the worldwide accessibility crisis. The digital workflow developed in this work offers great potential for providing prosthetic devices to rural communities, which lack access to skilled prosthetic physicians. The authors found that using the workflow together with 3D printing, this study can create custom monocoque prostheses (Figure 16). These prostheses are comfortable, functional and properly aligned. In comparison with traditional prosthetic devices, the authors slowered the average cost, weight and time of production by 95%, 55% and 95%, respectively.

Social implications

This novel digital design and manufacturing workflow has the potential to democratize and globally proliferate access to prosthetic devices, which restore the patient’s mobility, quality of life and health. LIMBER’s toolbox can reach places where proper prosthetic and orthotic care is not available. The digital workflow reduces the cost of making custom devices by an order of magnitude, enabling broader reach, faster access and improved comfort. This is particularly important for children who grow quickly and need new devices every few months or years, timely access is both physically and psychologically important.

Originality/value

In this manuscript, the authors show the application of digital design techniques for fabricating prosthetic devices. The proposed workflow implements several advantageous changes and, most importantly, digitally blends the three components of a transtibial prosthesis into a single, 3D printable monocoque device. The development of a novel unibody transtibial device that is properly aligned and adjusted digitally, greatly reduces the number of visits an amputee must make to a clinic to have a certified prosthetist adjust and modify their prosthesis. The authors believe this novel workflow has the potential to ease the worldwide accessibility crisis for prostheses.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 27 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 March 2021

Damien Chaney, Julien Gardan and Julien De Freyman

The purpose of this paper is to present the relationship implications of additive manufacturing (AM), which has the ability to produce layer-by-layer three-dimensional complex…

1334

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the relationship implications of additive manufacturing (AM), which has the ability to produce layer-by-layer three-dimensional complex products by adding material in comparison to traditional manufacturing processes which remove material – for industrial marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

After presenting the literature on customer relationships and digital technologies in business-to-business, the study uses a “zoom-out” and “zoom-in” perspective to review the extant literature on AM and then makes study propositions for industrial marketing.

Findings

Through the adoption of AM technologies, the study suggests that firms can improve their level of servitization through customized products, offer more sustainable value propositions and empower their customers through the sale of digital files, which can be considered as levers to strengthen relationships with customers.

Research limitations/implications

This paper makes several propositions regarding the relationship implications of AM for industrial marketing that further research should test.

Practical implications

This paper highlights the relational benefits that adopting AM may represent for companies.

Originality/value

While AM which is considered as an industrial revolution has generated a wide body of research in engineering and operations and technology management sciences, its impact on industrial marketing remains understudied.

Details

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol. 37 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0885-8624

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2020

Sanjiv Narula, Surya Prakash, Maheshwar Dwivedy, Vishal Talwar and Surendra Prasad Tiwari

This research aims to outline the key factors responsible for industry 4.0 (I4.0) application in industries and establish a factor stratification model.

1895

Abstract

Purpose

This research aims to outline the key factors responsible for industry 4.0 (I4.0) application in industries and establish a factor stratification model.

Design/methodology/approach

This article identifies the factor pool responsible for I4.0 from the extant literature. It aims to identify the set of key factors for the I4.0 application in the manufacturing industry and validate, classify factor pool using appropriate statistical tools, for example, factor analysis, principal component analysis and item analysis.

Findings

This study would shed light on critical factors and subfactors for implementing I4.0 in manufacturing industries from the factor pool. This study would shed light on critical factors and subfactors for implementing I4.0 in manufacturing industries. Strategy, leadership and culture are found key elements of transformation in the journey of I4.0. Additionally, design and development in the digital twin, virtual testing and simulations were also important factors to consider by manufacturing firms.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed I4.0 factor stratification model will act as a starting point while designing strategy, adopting readiness index for I4.0 and creating a roadmap for I4.0 application in manufacturing. The I4.0 factors identified and validated in this paper will act as a guide for policymakers, researchers, academicians and practitioners working on the implementation of Industry 4.0. This work establishes a solid groundwork for developing an I4.0 maturity model for manufacturing industries.

Originality/value

The existing I4.0 literature is critically examined for creating a factor pool that further presented to experts to ensure sufficient rigor and comprehensiveness, particularly checking the relevance of subfactors for the manufacturing sector. This work is an attempt to identify and validate major I4.0 factors that can impact its mass adoption that is further empirically tested for factor stratification.

Details

Journal of Advances in Management Research, vol. 17 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0972-7981

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 October 2019

Lisa Bosman, Nathan Hartman and John Sutherland

Investing in Industry 4.0 is an important consideration for manufacturing firms who strive to remain competitive in this global economy, but the uncertainty and complexity of…

1746

Abstract

Purpose

Investing in Industry 4.0 is an important consideration for manufacturing firms who strive to remain competitive in this global economy, but the uncertainty and complexity of where to focus technology investments is a problem facing many manufacturers. The purpose of this paper is to highlight a region of manufacturing firms in the Midwest USA to investigate the role of firm size, access to funds and industry type on decision to invest in and deploy various Industry 4.0 technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was developed, piloted, and deployed to manufacturing companies located in the Midwest USA, specifically, Indiana, USA. A total of 138 manufacturing firms completed the full survey. The survey participants were requested to rank order the various technology categories with respect to previous historical spending, workforce capabilities and anticipated return on investment. The survey was supplemented with publically available data. Due to the use of rank-order data to identify Industry 4.0 priorities, a non-parametric analysis was completed using the Kruskall Wallis test.

Findings

The findings suggest that manufacturers with less than 20 employees and/or less access to funds (sales less than $10m) prioritize digital factory floor technologies (e.g. technology directly impacting productivity, quality and safety of manufacturing processes). Larger manufacturers with 20 or more employees and/or access to more funds (sales greater than or equal to $10m) prioritize enterprise support operations technologies.

Originality/value

Research studies and reports tend to lump manufacturing’s perspective of Industry 4.0 into one homogenous group, and rarely acknowledge the limited participation of “smaller” Small and medium-sized enterprises, which account for the far majority of manufacturing firms in the USA. The value of this study is on the “novelty of approach,” in that the data collection and analysis focuses on heterogeneity of manufacturing firms with respect to size, access to funds and industry type. The findings and recommendations are beneficial and relevant to organizations supporting Industry 4.0 efforts through workforce development and economic development initiatives.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 31 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 January 2014

Yunfeng Liu, Wenqing Liao, Guangsheng Jin, Quanming Yang and Wei Peng

– The purpose is to realize precise apicoectomy with less surgical risk and improved quality and efficiency.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose is to realize precise apicoectomy with less surgical risk and improved quality and efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the procedure of precise apicoectomy based on additive manufacturing (AM) and digital design is proposed. With CT images of the patient's oral, a 3D model of alveolar bone and teeth is reconstructed, and based on this model, the infected tissue and enclosed root tip can be determined. Thus, a surgical plan can be created based on clear anatomical relationships and minimal negative constraints, which will then determine the drill position, direction and depth, as well as the resection length of root tip. With this plan, a surgical guide design is performed via a composite model from reversed plaster models and hard tissue models from CT, and accessory tools including drill with stop plane and handle are also selected. With the surgical guide, the virtual plan in the computer can be realized in the clinic.

Findings

With this methodology, the dentist can perform root-end resection with greater accuracy, save more than 30 percent of operatory time, and the discomfort to the patient is reduced to a minimum.

Practical implications

The proposed methodology has been used in ten cases for root-end resections. In fact, this method of designing a computer-based treatment plan with a 3D model of a patient and applying it in the clinic through guiding tools can be used in other surgeries, such as orthognathic surgery or osteotomy.

Originality/value

This case report illustrates that with AM and digital design methods, optimal operational plans can be designed and realized for apicoectomy, and the quality and efficiency of clinical surgery are greatly improved compared with conventional methods.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 20 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

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