Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The Structure of Manufacturing Systems: Insights on the Impact of Variability

  • Published:
International Journal of Flexible Manufacturing Systems Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

A classic issue in manufacturing strategy is positioning, that is, the appropriate structure for the manufacturing system. At its simplest, the choice is between a job shop and a flow line; but if the system has to produce a variety of different products,then it also is necessary to decide on focus, the degree of specialization. While effective use of resources is essential, it also is necessary to consider the ability of the system to cope with variability and disturbances. Using a variety of queueing models of manufacturing systems, it is possibleto get some useful insights into positioning and focus.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ashby, W.R., An Introduction to Cybernetics, Chapman and Hall, London (1956).

    Google Scholar 

  • Bartholdi, J.J. and Eisenstein, D.D., “A Production Line that Balances Itself,” Operations Research, Vol. 44, No. 1, pp. 21-34 (1996).

    Google Scholar 

  • Buzacott, J.A, “Commonalities in Reengineered Business Processes: Models and Issues,” Management Science, Vol. 42, No. 5, pp. 768-782 (1996).

    Google Scholar 

  • Buzacott, J.A. and Shanthikumar, J.G., Stochastic Models of Manufacturing Systems, Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ (1993).

    Google Scholar 

  • Correa, H.L., Linking Flexibility, Uncertainty and Variability in Manufacturing Systems: Managing Unplanned Change in the Automotive Industry, Avebury, Aldershot, England (1994).

    Google Scholar 

  • Gupta, D. and Srinivasan, M.M., “HowDoes Product Proliferation Affect Responsiveness?” Management Science, Vol. 44, No. 7, pp. 1017-1020 (1998).

    Google Scholar 

  • Gyllenhammer, P.G., “How Volvo AdaptsWork to People,” Harvard Business Review, Vol. 57, No. 4, pp. 102-113 (July-August 1977).

    Google Scholar 

  • Harrison, J.M. and Nguyen, V., “The QNET Method for Two-Moment Analysis of Open Queueing Networks,” QUESTA, Vol. 6, No. 1, pp. 1-32 (1990).

    Google Scholar 

  • Hayes, R. and Wheelwright, S., “Link Manufacturing Process and Product Life Cycles,” Harvard Business Review, Vol. 59, No. 1, pp. 133-140 (January-February 1979).

    Google Scholar 

  • Johns, G., Organizational Behavior: Understanding Life at Work, 3rd ed., Harper Collins, New York (1992).

    Google Scholar 

  • Neill, W., By Nature's Design, Chronicle Books, San Francisco (1993).

    Google Scholar 

  • Skinner, W., “The Focused Factory,” Harvard Business Review, Vol. 54, No. 3, pp. 113-119 (May-June 1974).

    Google Scholar 

  • Woodward, J., Industrial Organization: Theory and Practice, Oxford University Press, London, England (1965).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. York University, Toronto

    John A. Buzacott

Authors
  1. John A. Buzacott
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Buzacott, J.A. The Structure of Manufacturing Systems: Insights on the Impact of Variability. International Journal of Flexible Manufacturing Systems 11, 127–146 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1008050903708

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1008050903708

Search

Navigation