Integrated material logistics and continuous flow manufacturing

Abstract

Integrated material logistics is the integration of both materials and information flow into an effective and efficient total system. Continuous flow manufacturing (CFM) is a philosophy that concentrates on the elimination of waste, total quality control and total work-force involvement as a means of achieving and sustaining manufacturing competitiveness. This paper reports on the approach to the design and implementation of integrated material logistics with continuous flow manufacturing at IBM Havant Plant, The adoption of a competitive logistics strategy led to a fundamental re-appraisal of the role of logistics in discrete manufacturing. The later development and implementation of a blueprint required a focused cross-disciplinary team supported by more robust controls. Opportunities for work re-organization and devolution of responsibility were taken. With major investment in education and training, new processes and new measurements of process efficiency, a radical change in the culture of the facility was effected. The CFM paradigm continues to exert a profound influence for improvement throughout every aspect of the logistics process.