DEVELOPMENT OF TIME-BASED FRAMEWORKS - MANUFACTURING SYSTEM-ANALYSIS AND VALUE ADDING PERFORMANCE

This paper describes the refinement and expansion of a framework for t ime based analysis, which can aid the design of manufacturing systems. Development of earlier work and concepts has taken place to provide a wider set of re-structuring tools. These can be applied to increase c larity and understanding when attempting to improve the value adding c apability of manufacturing industry. Three basic models are discussed, which were developed between 1992 and 1996. Application is relevant t o the entire material conversion chain and can be considered a structu red JIT approach and a natural progression to improving JIT philosophi es. Trials have been conducted within the UK electrical manufacturing industry, but the methods are applicable within any discrete batch pro duction environment. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.