Technology driven strategy (TDS) using machine automation cost in discrete parts manufacturing

The success of Pakistani manufacturers in meeting the global world challenges will depend on its speed in moving from protected domestic to world class global manufacturing status. To face world challenges, three manufacturing strategies devised in chronological order are: cost cutting, technology driven and value enhancement which uses world class practices tools, and methods and techniques in a systematic and coherent manner with a stepwise refinement approach. The present work deals with technology driven strategy by analyzing five levels of automation, including engine lathe, turret lathe, automatic machines, numerically controlled machines (NC), and transfer machines. A proposed framework is tested using real life data from discrete parts manufacturing industries processing similar types of parts. Standard mathematical routines already developed are coded in spreadsheets and analyzed by carrying out sensitivity analysis on different process parameters. A comparison of these functions allowed identification of the most, less and least sensitive process parameters. Process parameters were then prioritized based on highest order of sensitivity at each level of technology. A simulation model so developed will help manufacturers to make informed decisions in selecting the most appropriate manufacturing systems based on process parameters