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...

Purpose – To examine and analyze the decision process that a firm undergoes for acquiring an advanced manufacturing system to obtain manufacturing flexibility for its operations. Design/methodology/approach – A case study approach is used to examine these decision processes. A conceptual...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze which factors determine the use of just‐in‐time (JIT) in companies. More precisely, the paper aims to study the role played by two variables of organizational context (size and age) and three infrastructure practices (advanced manufacturing...

Studies the process of implementing industrial robots in Spanish industry. Most of the firms surveyed already had experience of automation and used the first robot to gain experience of this new technology. The training and integration of staff in the project, the firm′s technology level and...

Despite the almost universal belief to the contrary, inventory reduction should not be a major objective for investing in advanced manufacturing technology because the financial benefits from it can be relatively small compared with other benefits. This article describes how changes in inventory...

Based on a research project looking at user‐supplier interactions in the context of AMT, attempts to discuss an alternative to the measurement of success, based on a close scrutiny of user‐supplier interaction processes. Closely examines a variety of factors which are both internal and...

Examines the impact of the intensity level of computer‐based technologies (CBTs) on quality. The intensity level of CBTs is empirically‐based. The main thrust of the intensity level of CBTs is fourfold. First, the technology must, intuitively, exist. Second, it must be integrated with other...

Presents eight guidelines to help managers better utilize their flexible manufacturing technology (FMT). Suggests changes in the operator′s role, the production planning system and the integration of departments. The conclusions are based primarily on an in‐depth study of six companies using...

First, based on a review of current manufacturing trends, argues for a ew type of logistical infrastructure supporting agility and quick response to global markets. Second, shows how this new logistical infrastructure is being put in place. Describes the Global TransPark project in North...

Examines design for manufacturability (DFM) which has become of a paramount interest to academicians and practitioners as well. The emergence of advanced manufacturing and information technologies and recent managerial philosophies such as JIT, TQM have made it easier for manufacturing...