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Article
Publication date: 9 February 2021

Christian Stockmann, Herwig Winkler and Martin Kunath

The concept of robustness in manufacturing is not easy to capture and even harder to quantify. This paper elaborates an approach to assess robustness in production systems from a…

Abstract

Purpose

The concept of robustness in manufacturing is not easy to capture and even harder to quantify. This paper elaborates an approach to assess robustness in production systems from a holistic input-throughput-output perspective using a pragmatic robustness indicator.

Design/methodology/approach

First, in order to have a precise understanding of what needs to be measured, a concept of robustness in production systems is defined based on a literature overview. Three different aspects are considered to be essential to comprehensively describe robustness in production: the deviations of input resources, of performance and of output. These aspects are translated into an aggregated indicator based on developments of production costs, order delays and output volumes. The indicator-based assessment approach is eventually applied to a flow-shop scheduling case study in the chipboard industry.

Findings

The study shows that an assessment of robustness should not solely focus on a single aspect of a production system. Instead, a holistic view is required addressing the tradeoffs that robustness must balance, such as the one between the realized performance, the corresponding resource requirements and the resulting output. Furthermore, the study emphasizes that robustness can be interpreted as a superior system capability that builds upon flexibility, agility, resilience and resistance.

Research limitations/implications

First, the paper is a call to further test and validate the proposed approach in industry case studies. Second, the paper suggests a modified understanding of robustness in production systems in which not only the deviation of one single variable is of interest but also the behavior of the whole system.

Practical implications

The approach allows practitioners to pragmatically evaluate a production system’s robustness level while quickly identifying drivers, barriers and tradeoffs.

Originality/value

Compared to existing assessment approaches the proposed methodology is one of the first that evaluates robustness in production systems from a holistic input-throughput-output perspective highlighting the different tradeoffs that have to be balanced. It is based upon a comprehensive concept of robustness which also links robustness to adjacent capabilities that were otherwise only treated separately.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 32 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 February 2022

Nikolai Kazantsev, Grigory Pishchulov, Nikolay Mehandjiev, Pedro Sampaio and Judy Zolkiewski

This paper adopts a multi-tier perspective and aims to explore challenges of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in collaborative manufacturing amid the emergence of…

1112

Abstract

Purpose

This paper adopts a multi-tier perspective and aims to explore challenges of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in collaborative manufacturing amid the emergence of dedicated B2B platforms. Original equipment manufacturers welcome formation of demand-driven collaborations between SME suppliers to facilitate ramp-up of production capacity. While being potentially beneficial to suppliers, such collaborations face various barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory study of 17 suppliers within the European Union’s aerospace industry was undertaken. The study comprised two stages. In the first stage, suppliers’ answers to self-administered interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. In the second stage, interactions between the barriers were determined through interviews with experienced SME collaboration facilitators. The authors apply system dynamics modelling to analyse the links between barriers and identify re-enforcing and balancing loops of other factors.

Findings

The authors establish five major groups of barriers to collaboration impeding: market transparency, access to orders, partner trust, contracting and (e) data sharing and coordination. The authors model application of four enablers that facilitate barrier removal for technology-enabled supply chains: digital platforms, supplier development, smart contracts and Industry 4.0.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited by the data collection from the aerospace industry; validation of the models in other low-volume high-variability manufacturing sectors is needed.

Practical implications

The reader will learn about the barriers which impede demand-driven SME collaboration within manufacturing supply chains, interrelationships between these barriers and suggestions about how to remove them. SME cluster managers will find managerial implications particularly interesting as they will help them to overcome collaboration concerns and better prepare cluster members for Industry 4.0.

Social implications

The models developed within this study can be used to explore the effects of intervening at critical points in the model to create virtuous improvement cycles between key barriers and related variables in the model. This can help decision-making and policymaking in the area of supply chain integration.

Originality/value

There is currently a lack of studies about how the existing barriers amplify and de-amplify themselves and what the managerial approaches to tackle the barriers are. It is unclear how far companies will go in terms of information sharing, given the trust levels, power dynamics and governance structures evident in supply chains. This study contributes by explaining the reinforcing interaction between the barriers and showing ways to overcome these using enablers.

Details

Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, vol. 27 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-8546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 January 2007

R.K. Nahar and Aparna Sharma

HfO2 has emerged as the most promising high k dielectric for an alternative gate material. As‐deposited HfO2 thin films have large number of defects resulting in increased oxide…

Abstract

Purpose

HfO2 has emerged as the most promising high k dielectric for an alternative gate material. As‐deposited HfO2 thin films have large number of defects resulting in increased oxide charge and leakage current. Film deposition condition plays an important role. This paper investigates the effect of sputtering voltage, bias sputtering and post deposition thermal annealing.

Design/methodology/approach

The microstructure of the film is examined by AFM. The I‐V and C‐V characteristics is evaluated from Al‐HfO2‐Si capacitor structures and the effect of processing conditions is studied. The experimental results are reported and discussed for improving film properties.

Findings

It is found that applying substrate bias during film deposition improves interface and reduce leakage current and oxide charges.

Originality/value

The paper studies the effect of deposition voltage and thermal annealing on thin film deposition of HfO2 by rf sputtering.

Details

Microelectronics International, vol. 24 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1356-5362

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 October 2022

Ineza Gagnidze

The purpose of this conceptual paper is to substantiate the idea that clusters will cope with the challenges of Industry 4.0, Industry 5.0 and remain one of the drivers for the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this conceptual paper is to substantiate the idea that clusters will cope with the challenges of Industry 4.0, Industry 5.0 and remain one of the drivers for the development of the local economy.

Design/methodology/approach

For the preparation of this paper, the author reviewed the literature on Cluster 4.0, Industry 4.0, Industry 5.0, green and blue recovery, as well as the future of jobs and systems. Data, reports and surveys (UN, OECD, World Economic Forum, McKinsey Global Institute, D2L, etc.) were analysed in detail, in order to create a clear picture related to the research topic. The opinions expressed in the article are depicted graphically, and were developed by the author.

Findings

First, predictions on Industry 4.0 challenges are outlined, and the reasons as to why clusters are expected to succeed in the digital era are substantiated; second, the direction of development in the digital era is depicted in a two-dimensional plane; and third, the direction of development in digital era within the clusters is graphically presented as a system.

Originality/value

For this purpose, the author has developed a new approach to connect clusters and digitalisation with the self-designed graphical images.

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