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1 – 10 of over 4000
Article
Publication date: 4 September 2007

S. Mekid, T. Schlegel, N. Aspragathos and R. Teti

This paper aims to define imminent and future key aspects in innovative production machines and systems but more specifically to focus on the automation and control aspects.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to define imminent and future key aspects in innovative production machines and systems but more specifically to focus on the automation and control aspects.

Design/methodology/approach

The foresight analysis is based on the state‐of‐the‐art of current manufacturing technologies with a setup of key enabling features and a roadmap research.

Findings

The paper finds that more integration of current and future technology development is required to build a strong platform for various applications featured with interoperability, trust, security and protection. Autonomy and close collaboration aspects in machines remain as crucial targets for the near future. An immediate action is required on smart strategies for the design patterns and agents to enable intuitive components for high quality dynamic user interfaces. This will allow rapid configuration and adaptation to new manufacturing tasks with highly improved machine learning.

Originality/value

The paper describes the future of key aspects required to move the production, automation and control systems forward.

Details

Foresight, vol. 9 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-6689

Keywords

Content available
96

Abstract

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 24 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 June 2021

Rojalin Patri, M. Suresh and Rajiv Prasad

The purpose of this study is to identify the leadership characteristics that make a health-care organization ready for lean implementation, analyse the interdependence among them…

1095

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the leadership characteristics that make a health-care organization ready for lean implementation, analyse the interdependence among them and determine the rank of each characteristic based on their influence in the overall phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

The leadership characteristics were identified through a review followed by an expert interview. Then, total interpretive structural modelling (TISM) was used to analyse the interdependence and determine the rank, driving power and dependence of each characteristic.

Findings

The results suggest that modesty is the most crucial leadership characteristic that makes a health-care organization ready for the successful incorporation of lean practices. Apart from that, attributes such as transparency, accountability, a leader’s ability to empower the employees and communication play a significant role in making the change management programme impactful and effective. A leader’s team building capacity was found to be the dependent characteristic and was ranked the last in the overall phenomenon.

Research limitations/implications

Though this study throws light on various leadership dispositions that prepare a health-care organization to become a lean, it is still not an exhaustive exploration to be generalized. Because the leadership characteristics required for successful lean implementation may vary from one organization to the other depending on the purpose, intensity and priority of the implementation programme, these parameters along with the complexity of the scenario would determine what other leadership characteristics need to be included in the model to make it more robust and holistic.

Originality/value

The novelty of the study lies in capturing the leadership characteristics for organizational readiness in the health-care sector and using the TISM approach to identify the critical characteristics in the context of lean implementation in hospitals.

Details

Leadership in Health Services, vol. 34 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1751-1879

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 February 2008

Shahram Taj

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the adaptation of lean production and assess its current state of practice in selected plants in electronics, telecommunication…

10320

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the adaptation of lean production and assess its current state of practice in selected plants in electronics, telecommunication, wireless, computer, food/beverage, garment, pharmaceutical, chemical, petroleum, printing, A/C and heating, and a few others in China.

Design/methodology/approach

An assessment tool is used to evaluate actual manufacturing practice related to key areas of inventory; team approach; processes; maintenance; layout/handling; suppliers; setups; quality; and scheduling and control. Manufacturing executives at manufacturing plants answered 40 questions in the assessment. Each response in the assessment is scored and a total score for each plant is recorded by adding average scores for all areas.

Findings

Application of lean production in China started in the late 1970s in the automotive industry, much earlier than by American and European manufacturers. The results of assessments show that the petroleum industry is in lead among all industries, followed by computer, telecommunication/wireless, and electronics industries. The findings from lean production system design‐related questions show low scores in layout design, volume/mix flexibility, setup, visual factory, and point‐of‐use delivery. However, plants earned high scores in materials flow, scheduling/control, on‐time delivery of finished goods, and overall defect rate. The findings have some similarity with recent studies about Chinese manufacturing firms' performance and competitiveness.

Research limitations/implications

Research findings are from some selected manufacturing plants in China and they should not be interpreted as an indicator of that particular sector in China.

Originality/value

This study investigates actual lean manufacturing practice and performance in Chinese plants.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 19 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2000

George K. Chako

Briefly reviews previous literature by the author before presenting an original 12 step system integration protocol designed to ensure the success of companies or countries in…

7203

Abstract

Briefly reviews previous literature by the author before presenting an original 12 step system integration protocol designed to ensure the success of companies or countries in their efforts to develop and market new products. Looks at the issues from different strategic levels such as corporate, international, military and economic. Presents 31 case studies, including the success of Japan in microchips to the failure of Xerox to sell its invention of the Alto personal computer 3 years before Apple: from the success in DNA and Superconductor research to the success of Sunbeam in inventing and marketing food processors: and from the daring invention and production of atomic energy for survival to the successes of sewing machine inventor Howe in co‐operating on patents to compete in markets. Includes 306 questions and answers in order to qualify concepts introduced.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. 12 no. 2/3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 November 2007

George K. Stylios

Examines the thirteenth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects…

1544

Abstract

Examines the thirteenth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects. Subjects discussed include cotton fabric processing, asbestos substitutes, textile adjuncts to cardiovascular surgery, wet textile processes, hand evaluation, nanotechnology, thermoplastic composites, robotic ironing, protective clothing (agricultural and industrial), ecological aspects of fibre properties – to name but a few! There would appear to be no limit to the future potential for textile applications.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 19 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2006

Henry C.W. Lau, Carman K.M. Lee, G.T.S. Ho, W.H. Ip, Felix T.S. Chan and Ralph W.L. Ip

This paper proposes an infrastructure of a responsive supply chain network, focusing on the deployment of the m‐commerce technology which transforms a traditional supply chain…

5655

Abstract

Purpose

This paper proposes an infrastructure of a responsive supply chain network, focusing on the deployment of the m‐commerce technology which transforms a traditional supply chain network to be more effective in coping with market changes.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed supply chain infrastructure embraces the concepts of distributed object technology, wireless markup language (WML), and extensible markup language (XML) schema to enable efficient data exchange among various data objects which reside in distributed platforms over geographically‐isolated regions, thereby leveraging the responsiveness of the entire supply chain network. A case study is conducted to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed model.

Findings

Recent studies have found that wireless technology, mobile computing and internet programming techniques drive the development of mobile solution in various industries. Apart from location tracking of goods as well as relevant services, m‐commerce is able to play an important role to enhance the performance of a supply chain network, which is concerned with the proper monitoring of suppliers and production circles, encompassing a wide spectrum of value chain activities ranging from product design to after‐sales services.

Originality/value

The significance of this research is the demonstration of the synergy of using a combination of emerging technologies to form an integrated system that helps achieve flexibility and agility in supply chain network.

Details

Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, vol. 11 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-8546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 November 2008

George K. Stylios

Examines the fourteenth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects…

1246

Abstract

Examines the fourteenth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects. Subjects discussed include cotton fabric processing, asbestos substitutes, textile adjuncts to cardiovascular surgery, wet textile processes, hand evaluation, nanotechnology, thermoplastic composites, robotic ironing, protective clothing (agricultural and industrial), ecological aspects of fibre properties – to name but a few! There would appear to be no limit to the future potential for textile applications.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 20 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2002

George K. Chacko

Develops an original 12‐step management of technology protocol and applies it to 51 applications which range from Du Pont’s failure in Nylon to the Single Online Trade Exchange…

3650

Abstract

Develops an original 12‐step management of technology protocol and applies it to 51 applications which range from Du Pont’s failure in Nylon to the Single Online Trade Exchange for Auto Parts procurement by GM, Ford, Daimler‐Chrysler and Renault‐Nissan. Provides many case studies with regards to the adoption of technology and describes seven chief technology officer characteristics. Discusses common errors when companies invest in technology and considers the probabilities of success. Provides 175 questions and answers to reinforce the concepts introduced. States that this substantial journal is aimed primarily at the present and potential chief technology officer to assist their survival and success in national and international markets.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. 14 no. 2/3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 January 2022

Mohd Javaid, Abid Haleem, Shanay Rab, Ravi Pratap Singh, Rajiv Suman and Sanjay Mohan

The development of new communication technology such as 5G is now a solid choice for Industry 4.0. 5G in the fifth generation replaces the presently used mobile telecommunications…

Abstract

Purpose

The development of new communication technology such as 5G is now a solid choice for Industry 4.0. 5G in the fifth generation replaces the presently used mobile telecommunications networks. In every sector of modern life, this technology is designed to resolve the issue of the enormous rise in daily gadgets. 5G allows rapid data transfer and significantly improves the Internet of Things (IoT), which contains billions of devices. The purpose of this paper is to study the potential applications of 5G for Industry 4.0.

Design/methodology/approach

Relevant research publications from Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar were identified to accomplish the objectives of this paper. 5G for Industry 4.0 enables crucial communications such as wireless management of machines and robotics to unleash Industry 4.0’s full potential, including the considerable proliferation of IoT devices in 5G. This technology enhances quality control, increasing inspections that rely on real-time analysis for rapid and early detection.

Findings

In Industry 4.0, 5G technology provides high speed and flexibility connectivity which helps to enhance the entire manufacturing system. This paper briefs about 5G and different network technologies used in 5G. Advancements, associated features and specialties, and significant enablers of 5G for Industry 4.0 are discussed. Finally, the paper identifies and discusses eighteen 5G applications for Industry 4.0. 5 G-enabled robots are used in manufacturing to carry out extensive work to enhance connectivity.

Originality/value

5G is the next-generation communication technology, allowing numerous examples of inventive usage, including Industry 4.0. In line with its long-term vision of digitisation, 5G benefit the whole value chain, including consumers and businesses.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 49 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 4000