ABSTRACT

This work presents the fundamental principles of continuous flow manufacturing, furnishing a corporate strategy and set of operating rules that help create an environment where continuous flow manufacturing can flourish. A 10-step methodology for converting a traditional factory to a continuous flow operation is provided, and conventional manufacturing techniques are compared with the continuous flow approach.

Strategies for a new era; the modernization vision; the continuous flow factory vision; automation for the continuous flow factory; overcoming the challenges of automation; comparing continuous flow and traditional factories; information systems for the continuous flow factory; taking action and realizing the gains; consolidating the gains of continuous flow manufacturing; justifying, approving and monitoring investment; creating a continuous flow factory; conclusion.