Development and implementation of manufacturing strategy for small-medium enterprise (SME)

The development and implementation of manufacturing strategy for small-medium enterprise (SME) has been aimed at developing a proper conceptual base by an action research methodology. This has led to a low-cost competitive advantage for manufacturing operations. The manufacturing strategy includes a unified modelling framework and utilises a 10-module manufacturing plan. The author using an engineering orientated definition and a detailed top-down approach has developed the framework. The development of the manufacturing strategy has led further to the design of a modular integrated systems strategy (MISS) programme, and its implementation at several SME cases with proven efficiency gains. The development process of the manufacturing strategy has been based on a body of applied knowledge gained from academic research, strategic models, engineering experience and management practice. The manufacturing strategy has also been planned and designed with the focus on control of manufacturing processes, maintenance criticality of plant and machines, and low-inventory manufacturing and material-flow movement as employed in many SMEs.