Line coordination in a rapid change, high volume environment
Name
56721434-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
7.15 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
94f7d2220f832ffbe351ee49d6646331
Author(s)
Vanka, Padmaja S. (Padmaja Surya), 1968-
Advisor(s)
Stephen C. Graves and Daniel E. Whitney.
Date Issued
2004
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
Raytheon - Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) manufactures surface radars. In the past, Raytheon's Andover plant was primarily a systems integration facility receiving subassemblies from other sources to assemble the radars. Hence for a long time, building surface radars in low volume had been the norm. However, since the last few years the plant also has been producing some of these subassemblies in high volume. Due to this, the facility had to transition from a predominantly low volume manufacturing environment to one that includes high volume assembly lines. This thesis examines the challenges that arose due to the transition from a low volume to a high volume manufacturing environment. One of the major problems examined was throughput variability on a high volume assembly line. It has been determined that throughput variability can be reduced by achieving line coordination; i.e. "balance in the flow across the assembly line". This thesis emphasizes the importance of effective execution of the production plan to reduce throughput variability. It focuses on three key areas that needed improvement: Culture, Manufacturing Practices, and Business Systems. The thesis includes improvements implemented to achieve line coordination.
Description
Thesis (M.B.A.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management; and, (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering; in conjunction with the Leaders for Manufacturing Program at MIT, 2004.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 89-90).
Subjects
Sloan School of Management.
Mechanical Engineering.
Leaders for Manufacturing Program.
MIT Department
Leaders for Manufacturing Program at MIT
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mechanical Engineering
Sloan School of Management
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