Design for quality in agile manufacturing environment through modified orthogonal array-based experimentation

Abstract

Purpose To provide a modified orthogonal array-based model for enabling the researchers and practitioners to exploit the technique, “design of experiments” in an agile manufacturing environment. Design/methodology/approach The characteristics of Taguchi's off-line models and agile manufacturing were studied. A theoretical model of modified orthogonal array-based experimentation was designed. This model was subjected to implementation study in an Indian pump-manufacturing company. Findings The model contributed in this paper has shown its feasibility in achieving quality in agile manufacturing environment. Research limitations/implications The authors are residing in an Indian city where the majority of the companies have not adopted agile manufacturing criteria. Hence, it was not possible to carry out implementation study in an agile manufacturing company. Future researchers should examine the practical validity of the proposed model in agile manufacturing companies. Practical implications Since the manufacturing organizations are fast becoming agile, due to the customers' dynamic demands coupled with competition, the traditional quality improvement techniques are becoming obsolete. The model contributed in this paper is found to be useful in achieving continuous quality improvement in AM environment. Hence the model would be a useful technique for today's practitioners whose activities are increasingly focused towards achieving agility in manufacturing. Originality/value The literature survey covering articles on agile manufacturing indicates that no researcher or practitioner has contributed a model that would exploit the technique, “design of experiments” in an agile manufacturing environment. Hence the proposed model is expected to be of high value for researchers and practitioners to explore the way of achieving continuous quality improvement in agile manufacturing environment. © 2005, Emerald Group Publishing Limited