The future implementation of advanced manufacturing techniques: experiences from a Dutch Delphi study
by Job De Haan, Ron Peters
International Journal of Technology Management (IJTM), Vol. 8, No. 3/4/5, 1993

Abstract: By the beginning of the next century advanced manufacturing techniques (AMT) will be widely used throughout Dutch factories. But different factories will use AMT in different ways, depending on the strategy they follow. AMT must be seen as a strategic tool and not as an aim in itself. This paper presents the findings of a Delphi study among twenty-three experts in this field, who were interviewed in three rounds. Before the second and the third round the experts got feedback from the anonymous 'group result' compared with their own opinion. The experts have been selected from various backgrounds, both educational and professional. In this Delphi study four scenarios have been identified along the lines of two dimensions. The first dimension is design-dominance; will the product only consist of supplier-designed parts or will it also contain parts specially designed according to the wishes of the customer? The first situation is called supplier dominated, whereas the second is referred to as customer-dominated. The second dimension has to do with the strategy that is followed by the enterprise. Here the two Porter strategies, cost leadership or product specificity, are used. In each of the four scenarios that were identified, the relevant factors, role of AMT, production organization, workers, financial means and marketing function, got a specific content. Each of them is found in the literature, but the combination of these factors has not been found.

Online publication date: Sun, 24-May-2009

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