Juliano Endrigo Sordan, Pedro Carlos Oprime, Marcio Lopes Pimenta, Franco Lombardi and Paolo Chiabert
The present paper aims to demonstrate the potential of integration between industrial robotics and Lean Manufacturing (LM) approach to increase the efficiency of an assembly line.
Abstract
Purpose
The present paper aims to demonstrate the potential of integration between industrial robotics and Lean Manufacturing (LM) approach to increase the efficiency of an assembly line.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a case study performed in an Italian company, this paper reports a comparative analysis of the results produced on a line balancing study involving a semi-automated production line, aided by an industrial robot.
Findings
The results suggest the possibility of implementing industrial robotics in line balancing studies highlighting efficiency gains and idle reduction. Further, it also addresses some concepts directly related to industry 4.0, such as collaborative robotics, artificial intelligence, and lean automation.
Practical implications
Line balancing studies may include advanced robotics in order to extend traditional lean practices toward Digital LM.
Originality/value
This study adds contributions to the operational excellence literature, demonstrating the symbiosis between industrial robotics and LM practices.
Details
Keywords
Juliano Endrigo Sordan, Pedro Carlos Oprime, Márcio Lopes Pimenta, Paolo Chiabert and Franco Lombardi
The purpose of this paper is to develop a bibliometric study about Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in the manufacturing process and to conduct an analysis of sources of publication…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a bibliometric study about Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in the manufacturing process and to conduct an analysis of sources of publication, authorship, citations and other bibliometric indicators. This paper also identifies the research agenda for future research related to the LSS approach in manufacturing processes.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 508 articles published during the period 2002 to 2017 were collected through an automated process from the Scopus and Web of Science databases and later analyzed using techniques such as data mining, bibliometric indicators analysis, cluster analysis, network analysis and word cloud. The boundaries of the study cover studies directed to the manufacturing processes.
Findings
The research identified 1,110 authors from 54 countries and 15 most prolific journals among the 162 journals investigated. The study unveils relevant articles, authors and journals that have discussed LSS initiatives in the manufacturing process.
Practical implications
The study findings can make practitioners aware of the state of the art and the specificities of the most prolific studies. Furthermore, this paper also intends to clarify the project themes and tools most used in these works.
Originality/value
The geographical locations of influential articles and authors are revealed. Additionally, frequently used words are listed and helped to develop a research agenda that highlights relevant themes, methods and industries.
Details
Keywords
Juliano Endrigo Sordan, Pedro Carlos Oprime, Márcio Lopes Pimenta, Paolo Chiabert, Franco Lombardi and Per Hilletofth
The aim of this paper is to identify some specificities of production planning and control (PPC) activities in the one-of-a-kind-production (OKP) process through an extensive…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to identify some specificities of production planning and control (PPC) activities in the one-of-a-kind-production (OKP) process through an extensive literature review. Relevant aspects related to systems and PPC activities in the context of OKP environment are discussed, and six opportunities for future research are highlighted.
Design/methodology/approach
The following research is based on a review of 53 articles published in peer-reviewed journals over the past three decades. After an initial descriptive analysis based on bibliometric indicators, a cluster analysis of 15 most cited articles was carried out using multivariate data analysis techniques and in-depth analysis.
Findings
The results reveal some specificities inherent to the clusters featured in the research, including aspects of planning, control and systems for OKP process. This cluster addresses information regarding next-generation manufacturing systems, scheduling and design science, computer simulation and project approach. On the other hand, the authors point out six topics for future research regarding contemporary issues associated with PPC in the context of OKP.
Originality/value
This paper fills an important gap regarding OKP production planning and control practices. The results provide a theoretical overview of different PPC practices suitable for the OKP environment. Furthermore, it can provide insights for scientific developments in order to manage the complexity inherent in the OKP process.