Publication | Closed Access
The Manufacturing Flow Management Process
79
Citations
0
References
2003
Year
Logistics ProcessesEngineeringManage Manufacturing FlexibilityIndustrial EngineeringManufacturing ManagementSmart ManufacturingManagementSystems EngineeringSupply ChainLogisticsSupply Chain VisibilityFlow ManagementDesignManufacturing PlanningManufacturing SystemsFlexible Manufacturing SystemSupply Chain ManagementSupplier ManagementManufacturing StrategyBusiness Process ManagementProduction PlanningIndustrial DesignBusinessProcess PlanningAgile ManufacturingSupply Chain Configuration
Manufacturing flow management encompasses all activities required to move products through plants and achieve manufacturing flexibility—defined as producing diverse products quickly and cost‑effectively—which demands planning and execution beyond the manufacturer’s boundaries. The paper details how to implement and manage the manufacturing flow management process within a company and across the supply chain. The authors analyze each subprocess, assess its interfaces with corporate functions and firms, and illustrate successful implementations.
Manufacturing flow management is the supply chain management process that includes all activities necessary to move products through the plants and to obtain, implement, and manage manufacturing flexibility in the supply chain. Manufacturing flexibility reflects the ability to make a variety of products in a timely manner at the lowest possible cost. To achieve the desired level of manufacturing flexibility, planning and execution must extend beyond the four walls of the manufacturer. In this paper, we describe the manufacturing flow management process in detail to show how it can be implemented within a company and managed across firms in the supply chain. We examine the activities of each sub‐process; evaluate the interfaces with corporate functions, processes, and firms; and provide examples of successful implementation.