A path-based approach to information technology in manufacturing
by David M. Upton, Andrew P. McAfee
International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management (IJMTM), Vol. 1, No. 1, 2000

Abstract: Two archetypal approaches to performance improvement in operations are to undertake periodic ''strategic leaps'' or to take frequent small actions in a quest for ''continuous improvement''. Much research on the implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs) indicates that even though their introduction appears to be a strategic leap, principles of continuous improvement can be important in determining success. Three such principles are: modularity, accessibility, and inclusiveness. These principles are applied to non-shop floor information technology, an important category of AMT. The monolithic information technologies that have historically been dominant are characterised both by low levels of modularity, accessibility and inclusiveness, and by an installation-based approach to implementation. Recent innovations, however, permit a substantively different, path-based approach. The migration from installation- to path-based approaches is illustrated with the example of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. The modularity and accessibility of ERP systems appear to be improving, while inclusiveness lags.

Online publication date: Wed, 02-Jul-2003

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
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 Manufacturing Technology and Management (IJMTM):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your 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