Sustainable and agile manufacturing outsourcing partner selection: a literature review

[EN] Outsourcing to third party to manage non-core activities helps the firm to focus on core activities. Manufacturing firms are outsourcing product development, manufacturing, logistics, customer care etc. to enhance production capacity and flexibility, and to reduce operational costs, which in turn can improve profitability and competitive advantage of the enterprise. Sustainability in operations and supply chain is gaining momentum due to increased global environmental concern, pressures from consumers and communities, and enforced regulations. Volatile and uncertain business environment necessitates the adoption of agility and flexibility to effectively manage manufacturing and supply chain. Globalisation has made the market very competitive and hence manufacturing firms are adopting manufacturing outsourcing to third parties. Selecting a sustainable and agile manufacturing outsourcing partner (MPS) is crucial as it will improve sustainability, efficiency, and effectiveness of the supply chain and competitive advantage to the firm. Detailed literature review on sustainable and agile manufacturing outsourcing partner selection has been carried out from EBSCO data base and Goggle scholar. Selection criteria used are classified into agile, operational, economic, environmental and social. The techniques use are mostly multi criteria decision making methods (MCDM) while few have adopted programming techniques. Discussion, implication and the scope of future work is also provided.Akhtar, M. (2022). Sustainable and agile manufacturing outsourcing partner selection: a literature review. International Journal of Production Management and Engineering. 10(2):143-158. https://doi.org/10.4995/ijpme.2022.1680714315810

Linear actuator for a submersible water pump for use in boreholes

Both the theory and the test results show that the E-core electromagnet linear actuator, which is based on the variable reluctance principle, can generate a normal force in excess of 400kNm(^-2) when there is a flux density of IT within the airgap. When the actuator is used as a driver in a submersible water pump for use in boreholes the results show that the pump is capable of pumping up to 90% of the expected value. Pressures in excess of 10 Bar have been achieved, whilst the pump was operating at frequencies up to 30Hz. The flow rate was less than 0.21s ', however improvements to the pumping system are given, and the desired 1ls ' flow rate is achievable at a delivery head of 100m.The use of linear actuators for use in submersible water pumps is a relatively new technology, and as the demand for safe clean water increases, it provides for sustainable development. The actuator utilises a D C. supply with solar panels as the source, giving the potential for global use, particularly in developing countries (the South).The design of the driver can be optimised for selected parameters. However, the development of such drivers does have limitations, the overall diameter of the pump is restricted to that of the bore-hole size, 4 or 6 inches; further the length of the pump is dictated by the straightness of the bore-hole. Consequently, design tools, for the design of E-core Variable Reluctance Linear Actuators, (VRLA), are given