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Delphi method
The “Delphi method” is a technique for making predictions about events
that may occur in the future. It is used in activities such as planning technology development strategies. In this method, independent opinions from
multiple experts are collected and reviewed. The feedback is returned and
the experts make adjustments as necessary for further review. This process
is repeated over and over until the opinions of the experts can be statistically aggregated to produce a consensus. As a result, highly accurate forecasts regarding unknown issues can be obtained.
Production systems
Chapter 2
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Business strategy
The question of how to design a production process is an important element of business strategy management.
Production processes are designed by considering requirements such as the
characteristics of the product being produced, cost, quality, and delivery
date. The production system must be able to be redesigned to suit requirements such as high-mix low-volume production, production with quick delivery time, inventory reduction, etc.
The main production systems are summarized below.
●Cell production system
A “cell production system” is a production system used in assembly
processes in which between one and several workers are in charge of the
entire process from component installation to assembly, processing, and
inspection. Its name was derived from work that arranges components and
equipment into cells.
The advantage of the cell production system is that it is possible to change
the product being assembled simply by changing the workers, components,
or work sequence, which affords flexibility in the production of a large variety of products.
●Line production system
A “line production system” is a production system in which dedicated
lines are established using conveyor belts or similar contraptions. Numerous workers assemble the respective components that they are in charge of
and perform the same work repeatedly.
The advantage of the line production system is high productivity as it allows a specific product to be mass-produced.
●BTO (Build To Order)
“BTO” is a production system that manufactures products after receiving
an order from the customer. Components are assembled and shipped according to customer orders, which reduces the risk of having surplus stock.
This production system is used by many major computer manufacturers as
well as other manufacturers that mass-produce products such as automobiles.
Reference
BTO
Abbreviation for “Build To Order.”
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