Design and implementation of an integrated Taguchi method for continuous assessment and improvement of manufacturing systems

• Published in: International journal of advanced manufacturing technology 2012-04, Vol.59 (9-12), p.1073-1089
• Main Authors: Azadeh, Ali, Miri-Nargesi, Seyed Sina, Goldansaz, Seyed Mortezza, Zoraghi, Nima
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: CAE) and Design; Cluster analysis; Clustering; Computer-Aided Engineering (CAD; Continuous improvement; Customer satisfaction; Engineering; Indicators; Industrial and Production Engineering; Manufacturing; Mechanical Engineering; Media Management; Normality; Original Article; Principal components analysis; Productivity; Ranking; Taguchi methods; Taxonomy
• ISSN: 0268-3768; 1433-3015
• DOI: 10.1007/s00170-011-3549-2

The aim of this paper is to propose an integrated modeling framework that would help manufacturing managers for assessment, ranking, and analysis of the manufacturing systems. The proposed framework is based on Taguchi method that ranks and analyzes the manufacturing sectors by consolidating a set of management and organization productivity indicators. Sixty-one indicators were identified and classified in five categories, namely (1) financial, (2) customer satisfaction, (3) process innovation, (4) production process, and (5) organizational learning and growth. The mentioned indicators are related to organizational and managerial productivity and efficiency. Next, a test problem and a random sample of 12 indicators have been carried out for the two-digit International Standard Industrial Classification sectors of manufacturing systems. Principal component analysis (PCA), numerical taxonomy, and clustering analysis approach have been used to demonstrate and validate the results of the integrated Taguchi method. Also, Spearman and Kendall tau correlation experiments should show high level of correlation between the findings of Taguchi, PCA, and taxonomy. In addition, normality test has been applied to show the superiority of integrated method over previous approaches. The proposed method has been provided with respect to management and organizational performance indicators to decide the best actions for continuous improvement. The results indicated that the structure and modeling approach of this paper could be easily utilized for managerial and organizational ranking and analysis of other sectors.