A review of modular strategies and architecture within manufacturing operations

This paper reviews existing modularity and modularization literature within manufacturing operations. Its purpose is to examine the tools, techniques, and concepts relating to modular production, to draw together key issues currently dominating the literature, to assess managerial implications associated with the emerging modular paradigm, and to present an agenda for future research directions. The review is based on journal papers included in the ABI/Inform electronic database and other noteworthy research published as part of significant research programmes. The research methodology concerns reviewing existing literature to identify key modular concepts, to determine modular developments, and to present a review of significant contributions to the field. The findings indicate that the modular paradigm is being adopted in a number of manufacturing organizations. As a result a range of conceptual tools, techniques, and frameworks has emerged and the field of modular enquiry is in the process of codifying the modular lexicon and developing appropriate modular strategies commensurate with the needs of manufacturers. Modular strategies and modular architecture were identified as two key issues currently dominating the modular landscape. Based on this review, the present authors suggest that future research areas need to focus on the development and subsequent standardization of interface protocols, cross-brand module use, supply chain power, transparency, and trust. This is the first review of the modular landscape and as such provides insights into, first, the development of modularization and, second, issues relating to designing modular products and modular supply chains

Evaluation of the changes in working limits in an automobile assembly line using simulation

The aim of the work presented in this paper consists of the development of a decision-making support system, based on discrete-event simulation models, of an automobile assembly line which was implemented within an Arena simulation environment and focused at a very specific class of production lines with a four closed-loop network configuration. This layout system reflects one of the most common configurations of automobile assembly and preassembly lines formed by conveyors. The sum of the number of pallets on the intermediate buffers, remains constant, except for the fourth closed-loop, which depends on the four-door car ratio (x) implemented between the door disassembly and assembly stations of the car body. Some governing equations of the four closed-loops are not compatible with the capacities of several intermediate buffers for certain values of variable x. This incompatibility shows how the assembly line cannot operate in practice for x0,97 in a stationary regime, due to the starvation phenomenon or the failure of supply to the machines on the production line. We have evaluated the impact of the pallet numbers circulating on the first closed-loop on the performance of the production line, translated into the number of cars produced/hour, in order to improve the availability of the entire manufacturing system for any value of x. Until the present date, these facts have not been presented in specialized literature. © 2012 American Institute of Physics

The changing geography of the European automobile system

Based on the research done by the European thematic network CoCKEAS (FP6), the paper analyses the recent changes in the European automobile geography. It discusses the impacts of the EU enlargement: integration of Central and Eastern European countries and new spatial competition for Southern European countries (Spain, Portugal). The study of the geographic distribution of automobile production within Europe focuses on the dynamic of specialisation of regions through collective learning processes, and the clustering of design and assembly activities (supplier parks).automobile industry, cluster, Europe, location, proximity, spatial division of labour

The role of supply chain integration in achieving competitive advantage: A study of UK automobile manufacturers

The competitive nature of the global automobile industry has resulted in a battle for efficiency and consistency in supply chain management (SCM). For manufacturers, the diversified network of suppliers represents more than just a production system; it is a strategic asset that must be managed, evaluated, and revised in order to attain competitive advantage. One capability that has become an increasingly essential means of alignment and assessment is supply chain integration (SCI). Through such practices, manufacturers create informational capital that is inimitable, yet transferrable, allowing suppliers to participate in a mutually-beneficial system of performance-centred outcomes. From cost reduction to time improvements to quality control, the benefits of SCI extend throughout the supply chain lifecycle, providing firms with improved predictability, flexibility, and responsiveness. Yet in spite of such benefits, key limitations including exposure to risks, supplier failures, or changing competitive conditions may expose manufacturers to a vulnerable position that can severely impact value and performance. The current study summarizes the perspectives and predictions of managers within the automobile industry in the UK, highlighting a dynamic model of interdependency and interpolation that embraces SCI as a strategic resource. Full commitment to integration is critical to achieving improved outcomes and performance; therefore, firms seeking to integrate throughout their extended supply chain must be willing to embrace a less centralized locus of control

The Challenges of the European Automotive Industry at the Beginning of the 21st Century. Summary of the main findings of the CoCKEAS project

The paper presents the main conclusions of the CoCKEAS European project (Coordinating Competencies and Knowledge in the European Automobile System). It analyses the main changes in the organisation of the European automotive system, not only in the relationships between carmakers and their first tier suppliers, but also in the relations they have with the other actors (upstream and downstream). It discusses the issues associated to the intangible dimension of this industry (financialisation and services), its new geography, and, finally, its distinctivness compared with is competitors (USA and Japan).: automobile industry, Europe, financialisation, interfirm relationships, Japan, location, modular production, services, system, USA

End-of-life vehicle (ELV) recycling management: improving performance using an ISM approach

With booming of the automobile industry, China has become the country with increasing car ownership all over the world. However, the end-of-life vehicle (ELV) recycling industry is at infancy, and there is little systematic review on ELV recycling management, as well as low adoption amongst domestic automobile industry. This study presents a literature review and an interpretive structural modeling (ISM) approach is employed to identify the drivers towards Chinese ELV recycling business from government, recycling organizations and consumer’s perspectives, so as to improve the sustainability of automobile supply chain by providing some strategic insights. The results derived from the ISM analysis manifest that regulations on auto-factory, disassembly technique, and value mining of recycling business are the essential ingredients. It is most effective and efficient to promote ELV recycling business by improving these attributes, also the driving and dependence power analysis are deemed to provide guidance on performance improvement of ELV recycling in the Chinese market

Networks, Market Structures and Economic Shocks: The structural changes of Innovation Systems in Latin America

--

The development of decentralized supplier networks in East Germany: a challenge to the German model of industrial organization

The paper examines the relationship between supplier network organization and regional economic development. A distinctive feature of the German economy is theexistence of a large and productive base of small and medium companies,commonly called the Mittelstand. Chambers of Commerce, trade associations, local research institutes and other para-public institutions provide a public infrastructure helping groups of Mittelstand companies develop research and development, quality control, training and other important competencies that they are too small to invest in individually. The paper argues that sophisticated firms must also engage these institutions if they are to function. Case studies of the newest East German car production networks show that final assemblers are creating supplier chains with minimal technical collaboration with local suppliers and the delegation rather thansharing of contracting risks. As a result, few sophisticated companies are engaginglocal para-public institutions, with negative consequences for the development of local Mittelstand companies in the two regions. -- In dem Papier werden die Beziehungen zwischen den organisatorischen Strukturen der Zulieferer-Netzwerke und der regionalen Wirtschaftsentwicklung untersucht. Ein typisches Element der deutschen Volkswirtschaft ist die Existenz einerweitgefächerten und produktiven Basis kleiner und mittlerer Unternehmen,gemeinhin als Mittelstandbezeichnet. Industrie- und Handelskammern,Wirtschaftsverbände, lokale Forschungsinstitute und andere para-staatliche Institutionen bilden eine öffentliche Infrastruktur, die den mittelständischen Unternehmen hilft, Forschung und Entwicklung, Qualitätskontrollen sowie Ausbildungskapazitäten aufzubauen und andere wichtige Kompetenzen zuentwickeln, in die zu investieren sie alleine zu klein wären.In dem Diskussionspapier wird die Meinung vertreten, daß aufgeweckte Unternehmen sich aber auch dieser Institutionen bedienen müssen, sollen sie funktionieren. Fallstudien der erst kürzlich aufgebauten Produktionsnetzwerke vonAutoherstellern in Ostdeutschland zeigen, daß die Endhersteller Zuliefererketten aufbauen, die nur in geringem Umfang mit den lokalen Zuliefereren technisch kooperieren. Außerdem versuchen die Endhersteller, Vertragsrisiken abzuwälzen statt sie gemeinsam mit den Zulieferern zu übernehmen. Als Ergebnis kann festgestellt werden, daß nur einige clevere Unternehmen diese lokalen und regionalen para-staatlichen Institutionen nutzen. Dies hat negative Konsequenzen für die Entwicklung der lokalen und regionalen mittelständischen Unternehmen inden beiden untersuchten Regionen Sachsen und Thüringen.