Abstract:
The paper presents a multi-attribute model for reconfigurable machining system selection that examines buyer-supplier relationships. The authors present a model of the machining system selection process that is focused on capital intensive, complex machining systems that are intended to supply service over a long period of time. A series of interviews with buyers and suppliers of machine tools during a year provide a background for the model. The model shows the importance of taking into account multiple and potentially conflicting attributes, as well as the substantial impact of the buyer-supplier relationship on the health of the machine tool industry. These conflicts of attributes affect the ability of the machining systems to be quickly and inexpensively upgraded and reconfigured. Also known as the Reconfigurable Manufacturing System (RMS). This new 'reconfigurability' capability increases the importance of supplier base quality as well as the supplier-buyer relationship after the machining system has been selected. The authors also discuss issues that are considered in the machining system selection process presented in this model. This working paper can be found at the University of Michigan Business School. You can access it by going to http://eres.bus.umich.edu.