Article: Integrating CNC technology and the JIT Kanban System: A case study Journal: International Journal of Technology Management (IJTM) 1993 Vol.8 No.3/4/5 pp.422 - 431 Abstract: This paper describes the implementation and integration of Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) flexible machining lines and computerised Just-in-Time Kanban system in an Australian company engaged in the manufacture of timber window and door frames. The planning, sourcing, implementation and integration issues are discussed in some detail. A significant factor in the success of the implementation was the attention paid to the human element of the project and the acceptance of change by all staff as a positive and constructive process. Critical to the solution developed was the use of customised software which was written on a commonly used relational database. A careful balance between the technology aspects, commercial and human aspects was absolutely necessary. One of the major reasons for the high return on investment achieved was the simultaneous implementation of the management system with the CNC technology. The benefits obtained from the new production system include the reduction in change over and set-up times from 5-6 hours to about 90 seconds; stockouts or shortages of components totally eliminated; total stockholdings reduced by over 50%; and the quality of finished products improved significantly. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Integrating CNC technology and the JIT Kanban System: A case study

Authors: Amrik S. Sohal, Glenn Lewis, Danny Samson

Addresses: School of Management, David Syme Faculty of Business, Monash University, PO Box 197, Caulfield East, Victoria 3145, Australia. ' Dowell Remcraft Limited, Melbourne, Australia. ' Key Centre for Strategic Management and Centre for Manufacturing Management, Graduate School of Management, University of Melbourne, 200 Leicester Street, Carlton, Victoria 3053, Australia

Abstract: This paper describes the implementation and integration of Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) flexible machining lines and computerised Just-in-Time Kanban system in an Australian company engaged in the manufacture of timber window and door frames. The planning, sourcing, implementation and integration issues are discussed in some detail. A significant factor in the success of the implementation was the attention paid to the human element of the project and the acceptance of change by all staff as a positive and constructive process. Critical to the solution developed was the use of customised software which was written on a commonly used relational database. A careful balance between the technology aspects, commercial and human aspects was absolutely necessary. One of the major reasons for the high return on investment achieved was the simultaneous implementation of the management system with the CNC technology. The benefits obtained from the new production system include the reduction in change over and set-up times from 5-6 hours to about 90 seconds; stockouts or shortages of components totally eliminated; total stockholdings reduced by over 50%; and the quality of finished products improved significantly.

Keywords: CNC machining; computer control; customised software; flexible manufacturing; industrial production systems; management systems; total integration; timber frame manufacturing; flexible machining lines; just-in-time; JIT; kanban; Australia; automated manufacturing; human factors.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.1993.025784

International Journal of Technology Management, 1993 Vol.8 No.3/4/5, pp.422 - 431

Published online: 24 May 2009 *

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Title: Integrating CNC technology and the JIT Kanban System: A case study

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