Finding flexibility

Although automation is important to achieving flexibility, manufacturers cannot neglect product design, manufacturing processes, and personnel.

As the current market volatility shows, automakers might need flexible factories now more than ever. Besides supporting agility in the marketplace, flexible factories maximize capacity utilization, if used correctly. A factory that costs less, that is loaded up to 100% capacity with different models, and that switches over quickly to respond to a fickle market is the ideal automotive factory of today-for vehicles or parts, OEMs or suppliers.

“I have been studying flexible automotive manufacturing for over 15 years,” said Jay Baron, President of the Center for Automotive Research (CAR.) “A number of myths persist. For instance, there is the myth that a flexible plant costs more. Well, that was true 15 years ago, but today there is a lot of flexible technology that costs less, not more.”