Rahul Sindhwani and Vasdev Malhotra
The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze the interactions among different enablers of agile manufacturing system (AMS). The existing enablers available in the past…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze the interactions among different enablers of agile manufacturing system (AMS). The existing enablers available in the past literature are scattered and not able to meet specific requirements of the customers. So, it becomes a necessity to encapsulate these enablers in appropriate proportions to enable traditional organizations to AMS. To fill this gap total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) and MICMAC analysis-based framework model have been developed to understand the mutual interactions between among the enablers.
Design/methodology/approach
Identification of enablers followed by application of TISM, which is an innovative version of ISM and MICMAC analysis, is used to study and analyze the mutual interactions between identified enablers.
Findings
The result reveals that top management support, organizational structure and information technology integration have strong driving power and weak dependence power and are at the lowest level in the TISM model hierarchy, while the outcome enablers of AMS have low-driving power but have high-dependence power.
Research limitations/implications
This model is developed on the basis of inputs from few experts and may not reflect the opinion of whole industry community.
Practical implications
Top management must stress on enablers having strong driving power for efficient implementation of AMS. Managers in the area of manufacturing may drive useful insights from the empirical study presented in this paper. Managers should plan an effective strategy for proper implementation of AMS which makes organization more agile, productive, competitive and profitable.
Originality/value
TISM-based framework structural model has been proposed for industry or organization which is a new effort for implementation of AMS.
Details
Keywords
Rahul Sindhwani and Vasdev Malhotra
The advent of globalization not only made the manufacturing sector highly competitive but also facilitated best-quality products. The trend is further augmented by e-Commerce…
Abstract
Purpose
The advent of globalization not only made the manufacturing sector highly competitive but also facilitated best-quality products. The trend is further augmented by e-Commerce which increases the penetration to the targeted customer with the easy availability of customized product. In this backdrop, Indian manufacturing industries are striving hard to seek out best systems which will yield maximum profitability. Time is ripe to realize the true potential of agile manufacturing system (AMS). Infusion of AMS in manufacturing industry will bring forth the elusive mix of customer needs and products at lowest possible cost. But adoption and implementation of AMS is a challenging task in itself. There are certain facilitators and criteria which not only facilitate the system but also help in the effective and smooth implementation of this system. The purpose of this paper is to identify the criteria to weightage and ranking to AMS facilitators. This study was carried out by different approaches, namely, entropy approach, multi-objective optimization on the basis of ratio analysis (MOORA) method, Vlsekriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) analysis and a cross-sectional survey of manufacturing firms in India.
Design/methodology/approach
The criteria and facilitators are identified followed by the application of entropy approach, MOORA method and VIKOR analysis to study and analyze the criteria weight and provide the ranking to AMS facilitators.
Findings
The result of the entropy approach concludes that beneficiary and non-beneficiary criteria carry 48.43 and 51.56 percent weight, respectively. MOORA method and VIKOR analysis conclude that organization structure and virtual enterprise facilitators are carrying the first and second rank, respectively.
Research limitations/implications
This study is completed on the basis of responses from few experts from industry and academicians who may not reflect the attitude of entire industry community.
Practical implications
This research is expected to facilitate policy makers in government and industries to frame policies for optimum utilization of resources and infrastructure for better performance. This paper helps the researcher to do a case study on the implementation of AMS and then finally helps to society in getting the high-quality product in an easy way.
Originality/value
Integration of entropy approach, MOORA method and VIKOR analysis with identification of AMS criteria weightage and ranking to AMS facilitators has been recommended for an industry which is an innovative effort for the execution of AMS.