A systems engineering approach to manufacturing systems analysis

The paper reviews the systems movement and suggests that systems engineering is required for successful problem solving and the redesign of manufacturing systems. A case study is outlined to indicate the application of systems engineering in manufacturing systems analysis. The urgent requirement for a new management team to gain insight into internal manufacturing processes and perceived problems provided a major driving force behind the project. The analysis revealed that the perceived problem of lack of automated handling within the assembly area was just one factor leading to poor manufacturing performance. System complexity and a lack of internal systems integration was highlighted; attributable to a number of causes categorised as organisational and attitudinal as well as technological.