This book describes how the implementation of variable rate launching in the context of a mixed-model assembly line with unlimited customization flexibility promotes customer-centric production. Variable rate launching (VRL) – as opposed to fixed rate launching (FRL) – eliminates idle time and utility work in mixed-model assembly lines. Even in the context of limitless customization, which runs the risk of concentrated peak workloads and possible longer assembly lines, a variable takt proves to be more economical than a fixed takt. On the technical side, a fixed takt requires both a healthy balance of process times and optimal scheduling to create feasible production schedules, as using average takt does not allow workers enough time to complete their tasks for more complex products. Because the variable takt relies on similar process times for a given product across the entire line for one product, and all products are given exactly the time they need for assembly, optimal series-sequencing and regular task rescheduling can be eliminated. This book is intended as a reference guide for experienced executives in manufacturing and academics teaching operational effectiveness for customer-centric production, and makes extensive references to AGCO Fendt’s modern tractor line in Marktoberdorf, Germany. The book also offers application case studies from companies in related industries such as automotive, electronics, and machine tools. The book’s key message is that variation should not be universally eliminated from manufacturing. As such, the book represents a counterpoint to the philosophy advocated by the Toyota Production System.

This Introduction to Manufacturing focuses students on the issues that matter to practicing industrial engineers and managers. It offers a systems perspective on designing, managing, and improving manufacturing operations. On each topic, it covers the key issues, with pointers on where to dig deeper. Unlike the many textbooks on operations management, supply chain management, and process technology, this book weaves together these threads as they interact in manufacturing. It has five parts: Getting to Know Manufacturing: Fundamental concepts of manufacturing as an economic activity, from manufacturing strategy to forecasting market demand Engineering the Factory: Physical design of factories and processes, the necessary infrastructure and technology for manufacturing Making Information Flow: The "central nervous system" that triggers and responds to events occurring in production Making Materials Flow: The logistics of manufacturing, from materials handling inside the factory via warehousing to supply chain management Enhancing Performance: Managing manufacturing performance and methods to maintain and improve it, both in times of normal operations and emergencies Supported with rich illustrations and teaching aids, Introduction to Manufacturing is essential reading for industrial engineering and management students – of all ages and backgrounds – engaged in the vital task of making the things we all use.

In job shop production the change towards synchronized job shop production, which is based on the concept of so-called taktlines, has been shown to enhance efficiency. In this dissertation an algorithm for the taktline layout is developed, following a multi-objective approach. The algorithm consists of two sequential discrete optimizations problems, namely a modified Substring Cover Problem and a partitioning Cluster Analysis, including a Multiple Sequence Alignment. For an overall validation, real-world data from tool manufacturers are subject to the proposed algorithm.

“He who stops getting better has stopped being good. ” Hans Schneider, General Manager of the Siemens Amberg Electronics Factory, Industrial Excellence Award overall winner 2007 There is a general perception that inflexible labor markets and high labor costs are contributing to a massive displacement of manufacturing jobs and investment from Western Europe to Eastern Europe and Asia. The debate in Western Europe is highly charged, but sometimes ill-informed. It is true that some low-skilled jobs are moving into low labor cost countries. On the other hand, many more highly skilled jobs are actually being created in the highly developed countries. The total impact on Western economies is much more complicated, and there is some evidence of important benefits. In this book, we showcase examples of excellent industrial management that has managed to create substantial job growth in manufacturing. This book is based on 14 years’ observation of the Industrial Excellence Award (IEA) in Germany and France, the first ten years of which we summarized in our previous book, Industrial Excellence (Springer 2003), and on an additional five years of obser- tion between 2002 and 2007. We have seen that management’s first and noble responsibility to society is to achieve competitiveness. Competitive organizations create growth and jobs, even in Western Europe. Competitiveness requires clearly articulated strategic positioning, together with excellent execution, and mobili- tion of all employees to apply their abilities and to pull in one direction.

The basics of industrial and supply-chain excellence in less than 200 pages ! This book for self-learning offers a step-by-step presentation of the best practices of modern manufacturing and logistic management, which have been moving beneath the surface, like tectonic plates, over the last few years. Thanks to their proven operational effectiveness, they have emerged as an interlocking group of five basics: - Voice of the Customer for innovation and development - production activities with and without added value - postponement or mass customization and modular thinking - dependent and independent customer demand - the two levels of the supply chain: strategic and operational The integration of these best practices gives Lean Supply Chain Management, which can help any company maximize its added value and the productivity of its people to innovate and to better serve the customer. Based on the authors long experience as a practitioner, educator, consultant and implementor, this book is an ideal learning tool. It contains several levels of text (summaries, examples, detailed explanations, questionnaires for measuring current practice) to facilitate the acquisition of these key concepts and practices by any individual or company

The first two editions of the Handbook of Human Performance Technology helped define the rapidly growing and vibrant field of human performance technology - a systematic approach to improving individual and organizational performance. Exhaustively researched, this comprehensive sourcebook not only updates key foundational chapters on organizational change, evaluation, instructional design, and motivation, but it also features breakthrough chapters on "performance technology in action" and addresses many new topics in the field, such as certification, Six Sigma, and communities of practice. Boasting fifty-five new chapters, contributors to this new edition comprise a veritable "who's who" in the field of performance improvement, including Geary Rummler, Roger Kaufman, Ruth Clark, Allison Rossett, Margo Murray, Judith Hale, Dana and James Robinson, and many others. Praise for the third edition of the Handbook of Human Performance Technology "If you are in the business of trying to improve organizational performance, this Handbook should be the first place you look for answers to questions about human performance technology." - Joseph J. Durzo, CPT, Ph.D., senior vice president and chief learning officer, Archstone-Smith "This newest edition of the Handbook provides an unparalleled, all-encompassing survey of the latest theory and its practical application in this emergent field. This book is a must-have reference for any professional wishing to systematically improve performance within their organization." - Weston McMillan, CPT, manager, training and development, eBay Inc. "An invaluable, engaging resource for anyone charged with improving workplace performance. It not only provides the background and foundations of our profession, but more importantly, it also provides the most up-to-date descriptions of how to apply HPT to drive results." - Rodger Stotz, CPT, vice president and managing consultant, Maritz Inc. "This book is filled with insights--both for those who are new to the field and also for those who are experienced. It offers concrete advice and examples on how to use HPT to impact business results and how to work successfully within organizations." - Anne Marie Laures, CPT, director, learning services, Walgreen Co. "The Handbook contains many of the secrets for improving the performance of individuals, groups, and organizations." - Robert F. Mager, author, Analyzing Performance Problems and How to Turn Learners On...Without Turning Them Off

This is the perfect field manual for every supply chain or operations management practitioner and student. The field's only single-volume reference, it's uniquely convenient and uniquely affordable. With nearly 1,500 well-organized definitions, it can help students quickly map all areas of operations and supply chain management, and prepare for case discussions, exams, and job interviews. For instructors, it serves as an invaluable desk reference and teaching aid that goes far beyond typical dictionaries. For working managers, it offers a shared language, with insights for improving any process and supporting any training program. It thoroughly covers: accounting, customer service, distribution, e-business, economics, finance, forecasting, human resources, industrial engineering, industrial relations, inventory management, healthcare management, Lean Sigma/Six Sigma, lean thinking, logistics, maintenance engineering, management information systems, marketing/sales, new product development, operations research, organizational behavior/management, personal time management, production planning and control, purchasing, reliability engineering, quality management, service management, simulation, statistics, strategic management, systems engineering, supply and supply chain management, theory of constraints, transportation, and warehousing. Multiple figures, graphs, equations, Excel formulas, VBA scripts, and references support both learning and application. ... this work should be useful as a desk reference for operations management faculty and practitioners, and it would be highly valuable for undergraduates learning the basic concepts and terminology of the field. Reprinted with permission from CHOICE http: //www.cro2.org, copyright by the American Library Association.