Discusses production models for final assembly in the automotive industry and also reports on the performance of one final assembly plant representing an innovative production model, namely the Volvo Uddevalla plant. Briefly considers some issues and pitfalls in current production model discourse, and in this connection introduces a distinction between two manufacturing models and broader industrial models. Describes two manufacturing models for final assembly work as namely the “serial flow model” and the “parallel flow model”. Discusses the Japanese “lean production”, sometimes synonymous with “Toyotism”, as an industrial model and the impact of socio‐economic and socio‐cultural contexts on manufacturing models and industrial models. Concludes that the Uddevalla plant highlights the paradox that long cycle time work in parallel flow assembly systems is in fact more efficient than short cycle time work in serial flow systems, provided that suitable technical and administrative preconditions exist. Therefore, the engineering point of view and the Swedish experiences of innovative manufacturing systems should be carefully considered in the current production model discourse.
Presents some theoretical principles and empirical evidence
relating to the new Swedish production systems for final assembly of
motor vehicles. Contends that in these production systems it is possible
simultaneously to enhance efficiency and quality of working life.
Briefly sketches three production forms as they apply to the final
assembly of automobiles and discusses the societal environments in which
these different forms of production have evolved. Focuses on Volvo′s
Swedish Uddevalla plant as one of the main examples so far of a
reflective production system for final assembly of automobiles.
Amplifies the analysis of different production flow patterns for final
assembly and in particular addresses the issue of semi‐parallel
mechanistic production flow and parallel organic production flow as
alternatives to serial flow on a conventional line assembly.
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