Case Studies of Advanced Manufacturing Technology Implementation in Small Companies

Abstract

Issues of Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) implementation have been extensively covered in the literature in regard to large companies; however, exclusive examination of the impact of AMT on small companies remains under researched. This examination of ten case study companies demonstrates the potential benefits of AMT use, as each of the companies achieved positive outcomes from AMT. However, the benefits achieved did not always meet the companies' expectations. Analysis of the experiences of the companies indicates the importance of considering the impact of AMT output on the manufacturing process, the levels of pre-existing AMT experience and the availability of external support mechanisms.

Challenges in Managing the Convergence of Information and Product Design Technology in a Small Company

“…It was also shown that developing integrated benefits in AMT adoption is more difficult than the development of a technology's inherent capabilities. These finding concur with the results of previous research into small company AMT implementation [16].…”

“…Table 1 presents an overview of companies interviewed in the retrospective stage and the AMT discussed. The results of the retrospective stage indicated three important issues for the implementation of AMT in small companies: consideration of the inherent and integrated benefits of the proposed AMT; consideration of company technological experience; and, availability of vendor or other support mechanisms [16]. Inherent benefits refer to a match between company requirements and the capabilities of an installed technology.…”

A Hybrid MCDM Approach Based on Fuzzy ANP and Fuzzy TOPSIS for Technology Selection

“…The object of the research is defined according to Walters et al (2006): advanced manufacturing technology is "a group of integrated hardware-based and software-based technologies, which if properly implemented, monitored and evaluated, lead to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the firm in manufacturing a product or providing a service".…”

The Impact of Using CAD/CAM Technology on the Performance of Mould & Die Manufacturing Industry in Sri Lanka

“…The studies of Simolow (2005) on CAD/CAM application, status and impact in Nigerian industrial sector have given an very good overview of the CAD/CAM applications in various industrial sectors and findings were useful in justifying the implementation of CAD/CAM. The impact of Advanced Manufacturing technology on welsh companies ,a study carried out by Walters (2006) has also given a comprehensive case studies on 7 companies which gives evidence in application of AMT on those industries. This chapter also considered the various technologies and literature on those technologies to support the argument.…”

“…In their article Miliward et al . (2006) disclose that many companies in US are failing to achieve their anticipated benefits following implementation, mainly due to the fact that many of the benefits associated with advance manufacturing technologies (CAD/CAM) are intangible.…”