Innovative Production Machines and Systems Conference

In order for companies to remain competitive in an increasingly complex and demanding global market, they must discover innovative ways in which to manage their production operations effectively and efficiently whilst ensuring that new markets are penetrated and sustainable growth is achieved. Manufacturing strategies such as Lean and Agility allow companies to deliver bottom-line savings in production terms although their effectiveness depends upon the volume and demand profile of their products. The new trend towards mass customisation requires companies to provide personalised products and services at mass production prices. This now places a further burden on companies and therefore a holistic manufacturing framework must be developed in order to ensure that the factory of the future is able to meet this new demand. This paper proposes a Holistic Manufacturing Model (HMM) which integrates the manufacturing efficiencies achieved through Lean and Agility with the need to break into new markets through effective marketing and product innovation strategies to achieve long term economic sustainability.