Model development for post-implementation process of advanced manufacturing technology

Abstract

Most manufacturing firms have been forced to embark on advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) projects. Though firms have reported the benefits attained through AMT implementation, only modest benefits are reported and many have failed. Lack of fit between technology and organisation has been identified as caused of these failures. A theoretical-based model for the implementation of AMT has been developed to allow managers to foresee the results of the implementation based on definite criteria. The implementation process consists of four stages. The important criteria at each stage were identified and their relative weights established through literature. Using the analytical hierarchical process (AHP) method, a three-level hierarchy was constructed to determine the probability of success stage at implementation stages and identify problems and weaknesses. The proposed model was tested on four companies and the results showed that the model was able to predict the performance of the companies at each stage.