Initiating long-term modernization programs in low-technology manufacturing environments
In this paper, a planning approach is discussed for initiating and expediting modernization efforts in manufacturing environments. The approach consists of six major steps. First, staff employees from a variety of functional organizations are involved in modernization planning activities through the formation of site modernization teams used to organize and facilitate modernization planning activities. Second, initial planning exercises are expedited by identifying high-priority areas for improvement through a functional assessment. Third, data acquired from the initial assessment described above are used as input to a strategic planning workshop aimed at building managerial support for modernization plans and integrating the plant's strategic objectives with its operational modernization plan. Fourth, the site modernization team receives training in the specific modernization technologies to aid them in the selection, design, implementation and maintenance of the appropriate modernization technology. Fifth, as a means for initiating modernization efforts, the planning approach produces preliminary versions of action-oriented implementation plans thus enabling improvement actions to begin more quickly. Sixth, an overall cost-benefit analysis is done to assess the feasibility of modernization projects. Finally, by meeting the above objectives, the approach provides a foundation for future modernization efforts. Results from implementing this methodology in six manufacturing environments are discussed along with a review of benefits of the approach. 11 refs., 1 fig.
- Research Organization:
- Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (USA)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- DOE/ER
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC06-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 6301711
- Report Number(s):
- PNL-SA-18410; CONF-9011156-1; ON: DE91005090
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Autofact '90, Detroit, MI (USA), 12-15 Nov 1990
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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POLICY AND ECONOMY
MANUFACTURING
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COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
PLANNING
APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY
INDUSTRY
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS
TRAINING
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
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