Advance Manufacturing Technology implementation in SMEs: a framework of justification criteria Online publication date: Mon, 02-Apr-2007
by Hussain Bux Marri, Zahir Irani, Angappa Gunasekaran
International Journal of Electronic Business (IJEB), Vol. 5, No. 2, 2007
Abstract: Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) plays a major role in quality and flexibility improvements in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The world of business is changing rapidly. The winds of globalisation have pushed SMEs to grapple with the changing needs of their customers. The customer of the 21st century demands products and services that are fast, right, cheap and easy. The quest for lower operating costs and improved manufacturing efficiency has forced a large number of manufacturing firms to embark on AMT projects of various types. AMTs have been heralded as a new way for manufacturing companies to gain a competitive advantage. One of the ways by which SMEs can achieve a competitive advantage in manufacturing is through the implementation of AMT. Realising the importance of SMEs, an attempt has been made in this paper to review the application of AMT in SMEs. Also, a framework of justification criteria has been offered for the implementation of AMT in SMEs. Finally, a summary of findings and conclusions are presented.
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Electronic Business (IJEB):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:
Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.
If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com
Our Blog 
Follow us on Twitter 
Visit us on Facebook