International Journal of Agile Systems and Management 

About: International Journal of Agile Systems and Management is an academic journal published by Inderscience Publishers. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Supply chain & Agile software development. It has an ISSN identifier of 1741-9174. Over the lifetime, 277 publications have been published receiving 2311 citations. The journal is also known as: IJASM & Agile systems and management.

RFID enabled manufacturing: fundamentals, methodology and applications

Abstract: Manufacturing enterprises and their associated production activities are becoming increasingly information intensive but the information systems used often rely on data which is assumed rather than actual. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) enabled manufacturing can bridge this gap between the physical flow of materials and the associated information flow. In this paper the fundamental issues, methodologies, applications and potential of RFID enabled manufacturing are reviewed, a simulated RFID machining process application case study is outlined, and finally a proposed methodology, framework and five-step deployment process aimed at developing a holistic approach to implementing RFID enabled manufacturing in manufacturing enterprises is detailed.

A study of barriers to agile manufacturing

Abstract: Manufacturers in the 21st century enterprises have to cope with an increasingly dynamic and competitive environment. In order to function effectively within this environment, manufacturers have sought to apply a variety of principles, one of these umbrella groupings is agile manufacturing and incorporating the concepts of agility. However, adoption of agile manufacturing is not a trivial task with barriers existing throughout its life cycle spectrum, from development and implementation to its maintenance and improvement phases. Investigating agile manufacturing barriers is necessary to help understand and overcome them. The aim of this study is to explore various barriers to adopt agile manufacturing and to establish a relationship among the dimensions of barriers through the Interpretive Structural Modelling methodology. This is a well-established methodology for identifying and summarising relationships among specific items that define an issue or problem. Practical implications and future research directions are identified.

Agile manufacturing framework and practice

Abstract: This paper presents a framework for the implementation of agile manufacturing. The framework employs a bottom-up approach taking the company through three iterative implementation phases of robustness of operation, responsiveness to customers and proactive growth tactics. The framework incorporates a detailed assessment of the level of business environment turbulence and the impact of this turbulence on the enterprise. The results of this assessment are used to identify and customise an implantation plan as well as select the required tools and those measures of performance necessary to monitor the plans progress. This is carried while aligning any action to the company strategy.

Distributed manufacturing network models of smart and agile mini-factories

Abstract: Traditional centralised manufacturing systems will be replaced in future more and more through decentralised and geographically dispersed manufacturing strategies. So-called distributed manufacturing systems represent an ideal approach to meet challenges regarding individualisation of products, customer proximity or more sustainable production. Networks of smart and agile micro-production units lead to a rationalisation of the supply chain and therefore to an increase of sustainability. In this paper, the actual state of the art in distributed manufacturing is presented. Afterwards, sustainability oriented reasons for a trend towards distributed manufacturing networks are explained. Then, evolutionary stages in the development of factories are represented describing their characteristics at every stage. Finally, a framework of possible network models for distributed manufacturing networks of smart and agile mini-factories is provided and enforced by examples from industrial practice. The paper closes with a discussion of the proposed framework and an outlook on future needs in research.

Transdisciplinary systems engineering: Implications, challenges and research agenda

Abstract: Transdisciplinary processes have been the subject of research since several decades already. Transdisciplinary processes are aimed at solving ill-defined and socially relevant problems. Many researchers have studied transdisciplinary processes and have tried to understand the essentials of transdisciplinarity. Many engineering problems can be characterised as ill-defined and socially relevant, too. Although transdisciplinary engineering cannot widely be found in the literature yet, a transdisciplinary approach is deemed relevant for many engineering problems. With this paper we aim to present an overview of the literature on research into transdisciplinary processes and investigate the relevance of a transdisciplinary approach in engineering domains. After a brief description of past research on transdisciplinarity, implications for engineering research, engineering practice, and engineering education are identified. In all three areas, the current situation is described, while challenges are identified that still exist. The paper ends with a research agenda for transdisciplinary engineering.