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The evolution of agile manufacturing.

Jin?Hai, Li; Anderson, Alistair R.; Harrison, Richard T.

Authors

Li Jin?Hai

Alistair R. Anderson

Richard T. Harrison



Abstract

This paper provides an exploration of the concept and content of agile manufacturing (AM). It describes the nature of the content of AM and synthesises the literature to propose a comprehensive definition of purpose and process. Real agile manufacturing (RAM) is viewed as a strategic process; it is about surviving and prospering in the competitive environment of continuous and unpredictable change by reacting quickly and effectively to changing markets. The paper argues that RAM is evolutionary, in that it is developed from existing systems of management and technologies. However, it is also revolutionary because the full application of RAM involves a departure from existing systems. RAM is shown to be based upon four fundamentals. First, each partner must benefit; thus multiple winners (manufacturers, suppliers, customers) is the objective. Second, integration (recourses, methods, technologies, departments or organisations) is the means of achieving RAM. Third, IT is demonstrated to be an essential condition. Finally, core competence is seen to be the key.

Citation

LI, J.-H., ANDERSON, A.R. and HARRISON, R.T. 2003. The evolution of agile manufacturing. Business process management journal [online], 9(2), pages 170-189. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1108/14637150310468380

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Apr 1, 2003
Online Publication Date Apr 1, 2003
Publication Date Apr 30, 2003
Deposit Date Sep 21, 2016
Publicly Available Date Sep 21, 2016
Journal Business process management journal
Print ISSN 1463-7154
Electronic ISSN 1463-7154
Publisher Emerald
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 9
Issue 2
Pages 170-189
DOI https://doi.org/10.1108/14637150310468380
Keywords Agile production; Information technology; Manufacturing; Competences
Public URL http://hdl.handle.net/10059/1818
Contract Date Sep 21, 2016

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