Agile manufacturing
- 1. Agile Manufacturing is an operational strategy focused on inducing velocity and flexibility in a make-to- order or configure-to-order production process with minimal changeover time and interruptions. Agile Manufacturing differs with Lean Manufacturing in the sense that lean manufacturing is oriented toward a repetitive manufacturing environment with order characteristics of high-volume/low-mix, and Agile Manufacturing applies to low-volume/high mix. Agile Manufacturing is oriented toward low-volume/high mix, adding velocity and flexibility in the production process. It applies to environments where customized, configurable, or specialized orders, offer a competitive advantage. he benefits generally are specialization, customization, flexibility, lower costs, higher quality, lower inventory, and shorter lead times. The characteristics of Agile Manufacturing are: i Short time-to-market i Fast new product development i Modular design i Modular assembly i Short/fast order processing>/li> i Configure to order i Make-to-Order i Low volumes i Low quantities i High product mix i Configurable components i Fast supplier deliveries i Short lead times i Short cycle times i Highly flexible and responsive processes i Highly flexible machines and equipment i Deployment of Group Technology principles i Use of Solids Modeling i Use of advanced CAD/CAM i Quick changeover i Collocated machines, equipment, tools and people i Compressed space i Multi-skilled employees i Empowered employees i High first-pass yields with major reductions in defects The Issues Agile Manufacturing is in direct opposition with traditional manufacturing approaches characterized by use of economic order quantities, high capacity utilization, and high inventory. It requires radical change. Excess capacity is welcome instead of taboo. Make-to-order capability replaces mass production and lot sizes based on EOQ's. A major issue with Agile Manufacturing is the high capitalization often required for flexibility in the production and assembly areas. However payback periods of 2 years or less are common. However, just like anything else, Agile Manufacturing is no panacea, nor should it be embraced as a religion. It is an operational strategy that, if implemented properly, will provide a new dimension to
- 2. competing: quickly introducing new configurable and specialized high quality products, and delivering them with unprecedented lead times.