Equipment Manufacturing Company Research Articles

Implementation of Six Sigma methodology in a medical equipment manufacturing company

Implementation of Six Sigma methodology in a medical equipment manufacturing company

Digital Transformation and High-Quality Development of Enterprises: Evidence from China

The swift progression of digital technology is leading to substantial shifts and evolutions within enterprises. In the evolving environment characterized by the integration of digital technologies and the physical market, it's essential to examine the effects of digitalization on the path of enterprises towards attaining superior growth quality. This study utilizes panel data from A-share listed companies in China's equipment manufacturing sector, spanning from 2013 to 2021, to perform an empirical analysis on the influence and mechanisms of digital transformation in fostering the progress of these companies towards high-quality growth. The results reveal that digital transformation plays a significant role in promoting high-quality development among equipment manufacturing enterprises, and these results remain consistent after implementing various tests to mitigate endogeneity and confirm the findings' reliability. The examination of mechanisms suggests that digital transformation significantly contributes to the advancement of equipment manufacturing companies by alleviating financial constraints, improving internal control quality, and facilitating the integration of environmentally friendly innovation technologies. Moreover, the impact of digital transformation on elevating the quality of development within equipment manufacturing companies is notably more pronounced in privately-owned firms, those located in the eastern region, and businesses classified as high-tech. This highlights how the nature of ownership, geographical location, and technological classification further amplify the benefits of digital transformation for high-quality growth in the sector. These findings offer a theoretical basis for assessing the economic implications of enterprises' digital transformation and for shaping relevant governmental policies.

การพยากรณ์ยอดขายและความต้องการสินค้าในอุตสาหกรรมผลิตอุปกรณ์ไฟฟ้า กรณีศึกษา บริษัทผลิตอุปกรณ์ไฟฟ้าแรงสูง

The purpose of this study is to find the product demand forecasting model from the artificial neural network method in a case study of a high-voltage equipment manufacturing company. And reduce fines for late delivery of goods by using the Matlab program. The forecasting model is established by using time series neural network method, and the nonlinear autoregressive neural network (NARX) function model is established by combining with external input data. Then the forecast deviation is the average deviation percentage error (MAPE) uses the least dynamics model. By using data that collects product sales from 2019 – 2022 total 48 set of data are divided into 2 data sets used in the study. by the first dataset is learning 36 datasets and the second dataset is learning 12 datasets. The model of this study was defined with the number of hidden layer nodes as 2, 6 and 10. The time delay was 2 and 3. Forecasting models are combined into 6 models. The best model result of each item from NARX forecast through the learning process Levenberg-Marquardt (trainlm), including models 1, 4, 5, 4, 3, 3, and 2 sequential The results show the least average absolute percentage error at 8.32, 5.85, 2.61, 3.39, 2.91, 2.19 and 7.76 and the results of the forecasting model were analyzed to reduce fines from selling all 7 items Able to reduce penalties for late delivery of 4 items showing the percentage of difference in cost reduction equal to 0.28% 0.24% 0.32% and 0.22%. It can be concluded that the prediction of the neural network inverted neural network model It can be used to forecast product sales and product demand as well. And reduce the cost of late delivery fines for better results.

Optimal selection and investment-allocation decisions for sustainable supplier development practices

Organization’s sustainability performance is influenced by its suppliers’ sustainability performance. This relationship makes sustainable supplier development a strategic competitive option for a buyer or focal organization. When considering sustainable supplier development practices (SSDPs) adoption, organizations have to balance and consider their limited financial resources and operational constraints. It becomes necessary to both select the best SSDPs set and investment allocation among the selected SSDP set such that the organization can maximize overall sustainability performance level. In this paper, an integrated formal modeling methodology using DEMATEL, the NK model, and multi-objective linear programming model is used support this objective. The proposed methodology is evaluated in a practical sustainable supply chain field study of an equipment manufacturing company in China. Through case study, we found that the interdependency among SSDPs must be considered in SSDPs selection and investment allocation problem. Theoretical, managerial and methodology implications, conclusions, and directions for future research are also presented.

Enhancing Operating Efficiency in China’s High-End Equipment Manufacturing Industry: Insights from Listed Enterprises

The high-end equipment manufacturing industry is a strategic sector for China’s manufacturing transformation and upgrading. However, this industry is facing a series of challenges, such as insufficient innovation capabilities and poor business operations. This paper uses the super-efficiency SBM model to calculate the operating efficiency of listed companies in this industry from a micro perspective and conducts in-depth multi-angle analysis of their operating efficiency. Furthermore, Tobit regression is utilized to identify the factors that affect operating efficiency. The aim is to provide a pathway for companies in this industry to achieve efficiency maximization and sustainable development. The research shows that the average operating efficiency of high-end equipment manufacturing companies was around 0.7 from 2016 to 2021, and nearly 70% of companies were in a non-DEA efficient state. The operating efficiency of the intelligent manufacturing equipment industry is far higher than other industries, and the western region has great development potential. In addition to government subsidies, factors such as company age, equity concentration, regional GDP, and regional openness all have a positive impact on the operational efficiency of high-end equipment manufacturing companies. This paper combines the characteristics of the equipment manufacturing industry and analyzes their operating efficiency from multiple dimensions, providing decision support and pathways for the high-quality and efficient development of this industry.

Angel or devil? a study of the threshold effect of patent strategy on the relationship between patent thicket and corporate market value

ABSTRACT Patent strategies are an effective means of mitigating the negative effects of patent thickets on corporate market value. In reality, however, inappropriate patent strategies tend to exacerbate the negative effects of patent thickets. In this study, we used 2009–2019 panel data of 419 Chinese electronic equipment manufacturing companies, applied a panel threshold model, and analysed the influence mechanism. We empirically investigated the boundary dividing patent application, patent withdrawal, patent portfolio, and patent maintenance strategies from ‘angel’ to ‘devil’ and the influence mechanism of patent thickets on corporate market value. This study arrives at several conclusions. (i) Patent thickets exert a negative effect on corporate market value. (ii) Patent application and withdrawal strategies play a fully mediating role in the negative effect of patent thickets on corporate market value, while patent portfolio and maintenance strategies play a partially mediating role. (iii) Patent application, withdrawal, and maintenance strategies exhibit a double threshold effect, while patent portfolio plays a single threshold role. This study enriches the research on patent thickets.

Fault classification and timing prediction based on shipment inspection data and maintenance reports for semiconductor manufacturing equipment

Unexpected failures of equipment in sequential and continuous manufacturing processes such as semiconductor production can result in a serious deterioration of productivity. This directly affects the interests of equipment operators and indirectly reduces the credibility of the equipment manufacturers, resulting in serious potential harm to operators and manufacturers of equipment. Hence, the demand for predictive maintenance has increased to maximize the efficiency of equipment operations by predicting faults and fault timing beyond preemptive preventive maintenance, which depends on periodic inspections while operating equipment. However, since existing studies on predictive maintenance mainly utilize data collected during the equipment operation stage to predict equipment faults and fault timing, predictive maintenance research has only been conducted from the perspective of equipment operating companies. Accordingly, we propose a machine learning method in this paper that predicts the existence of faults and the fault timing of equipment using pre-shipment inspection data from equipment manufacturers. Importantly, this can be performed by an equipment manufacturer without access to operational data. This is the first predictive maintenance study to be conducted from the perspective of an equipment manufacturing company. We used tree-based ensemble models to identify important variables for faults and proceeded to predict the existence of faults and the first fault timing of equipment. Moreover, we verified the method’s performance using real data from a leading semiconductor equipment manufacturer in South Korea. The contribution of this study can be summarized as follows. (1) We propose an initial predictive maintenance method that can be performed by equipment manufacturing companies. (2) As a result of an experiment using real data from the selected manufacturer, the proposed method yielded an accuracy of up to 94% for fault existence prediction and reduced the prediction error by more than 50% for the first fault timing compared to where a prediction model was not implemented. (3) It was demonstrated that the initial state of a piece of equipment has a great influence on future faults by deriving high performance using pre-shipment inspection data rather than operation data. (4) By using tree-based ensemble models, we identified major factors related to equipment faults.

Personnel management through proper motivation (on the example of a medical equipment manufacturing company)

This article is devoted to the motivation of personnel in general and in production in particular. The survey results among employees in a medical equipment manufacturing organisation are presented. Different authors’ views on improving the motivation of the personnel in the particular organisation are presented.

Servant Leadership and Knowledge Management; What Leads to Frugal Innovation?

Frugal innovation is an emerging term, and since the last decade, many studies have been focusing on this type of innovation. Therefore, this research has also directed attention towards frugal innovation. First of all, it studied the effect of servant leadership on knowledge management, and then the relationship between knowledge management and frugal innovation was measured. Moreover, the relationship described above was examined by moderating the role of innovation capabilities and technology turbulence. The data were collected from Sports equipment manufacturing companies in China, and to analyze the data, AMOS was used. The results highlighted a positive relationship between servant leadership and knowledge management, and this management has a significant and positive relation with frugal innovation. In addition, the technology turbulence and innovation capabilities can strengthen the relationship between knowledge management and frugal innovation. Despite highlighting the broad areas and developing a comprehensive model, this research has several limitations which are future directions for further studies. This research focused on sports equipment manufacturing companies, and future studies can highlight the perspective of other companies. In addition, entrepreneurial orientation can be considered as mediating variable as it can be affected by knowledge management and affect frugal innovation. The study is the first to link servant leadership with knowledge management which can lead to frugal innovation.

Capability Framework Implementing Pay-Per-Outcome Business Model in Equipment Manufacturing Companies

The primary objective of this paper is to enhance our understanding of the capabilities necessary for implementing a pay-per-outcome business model and how equipment manufacturing companies can successfully implement such a business model. Based on systematic literature research, we analysed 12 research publications that discussed pay-per-outcome capabilities in the equipment manufacturing industry. We identified 36 capabilities and formulated a capability framework for pay-per-outcome business models in the equipment manufacturing industry. We also identified that pay-per-outcome business models require specific capabilities related to customer relationship and contracting, compared with other service-based business models (such as pay-per-use business models). Since earlier studies have failed to distinguish the capabilities necessary for pay-per-outcome business models from those for other types of product–service system business models or focused on some specific required capabilities for the former business models, we contribute to current business model literature by uncovering the unique characteristics of pay-per-outcome business models in the equipment manufacturing industry.

A Framework for Additive Manufacturing Technology Selection

Additive manufacturing is a popular emerging technology of producing parts directly from digital models. This technology has presented benefits such as freedom of design, the ability to customise, and shortened process chains. Presently, there are different Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes that are available in the market. Often, transport equipment manufacturing companies are faced with challenges while selecting the AM processes that are suited to their needs. Decision-makers need to consider all the underlining factors before a conclusion is reached. This paper proposes an approach that can be used by companies in the rail sector to select AM technologies that are suited to their applications. The approach involves identifying suitable parts, comparing applicable AM technologies and selecting the most suitable technology. The next stage involves re-designing the parts based on the selected technology. The approach is applied to benchmark parts from the industry. The study provides enlightenment on how AM can be applied in the rail industry.

A review of voltage sag control measures and equipment in power systems

In recent years, voltage sags are one of the most critical research issues in the field of power quality. With the all-embracing study of voltage sag mitigation measures and equipment, the classification of voltage sag mitigation measures and equipment is becoming more and more necessary. Reasonable classification methods not only can guide users to choose appropriate control measures and equipment, but also provide basis and research direction for new voltage sag control measures and equipment. Firstly, this study performs a detailed analysis of the current stage of voltage sag control measures and equipment, and proposes a classification method that divides the voltage sag control measures into three categories: the power supply side, the customer side and the equipment manufacturing company. Secondly, due to the difference between single power supply and dual power supply in voltage sag control equipment, this study proposes a classification method for voltage sag control equipment based on the number and type of power supply. Finally, in order to help users to select the voltage sag control equipment suitable for the actual situation, this paper summarizes the prevention and control ability of the main voltage sag control equipment.

The Loki Equipment Exercise Part 1: Leading Change

Leading organizational change is a daunting aspect of leadership. However, effectively leading change enables positive individual and organizational outcomes. Herein, we present a case-based classroom exercise to teach students about organizational change, demonstrate different aspects of the change process, and teach how to overcome resistance to change. We draw upon research on leadership and organizational change to introduce the exercise. In the exercise, Taylor Smith, a CEO of a farm equipment manufacturing company, is pressed by the company board to lay off a significant portion of their workforce as production is being moved overseas. In this context, the exercise provides students with an in-depth look at the change process as they discuss how the company will be affected by the layoffs and then explore ways for the layoffs to be carried out.

The Loki Equipment Exercise Part 2: Crisis Management

We present a case-based role-play exercise that effectively simulates a crisis students must manage. In the exercise, a farm equipment manufacturing company has decided to redirect its product line, and this change requires laying off a significant portion of its workforce. Students must grapple with the fact that a local news report will be released soon to inform the public about the company’s plans, possibly before the company’s employees learn about them. Students assume one of five roles in the executive team and discuss how to resolve the crisis. The objective of the exercise is to help students learn ways to lead in an organizational crisis. To meet this objective, we discuss how instructors can implement and debrief the exercise. This exercise was designed as the second in a two-part series (the first part focusing on organizational change), but it can also be used as a stand-alone exercise.

Financial leasing, factor circulation and supply chain competitiveness: taking equipment manufacturing enterprises as an example

ABSTRACT According to the Dual Circulation Strategy in China, financing leasing is an inevitable choice to enhance the competitiveness of the equipment manufacturing industry supply chain. Taking listed equipment manufacturing companies in China as the research objects, the article examines the impact of financial leasing on the supply chain competitiveness and its influence mechanism. The results show that the financial leasing can significantly improve the market competitiveness and capital competitiveness of equipment manufacturing enterprises in the supply chain. The heterogeneity analysis of the property rights shows that financial leasing mainly enhances the supply chain market competitiveness of state-owned equipment manufacturing enterprises. From the perspective of factor circulation, this study verifies the effectiveness of financial leasing in enhancing the supply chain competitiveness of equipment manufacturing enterprises. There are some policy enlightenment and experience significance for financial innovation promoting the factor recycling and improving the supply chain competitiveness.

Towards a Pay-Per-X Maturity Model for Equipment Manufacturing Companies

This Research-in-Progress paper presents a preliminary design of a maturity model for assessing the internal readiness of business-to-business equipment manufacturing companies implementing new, service-based pay-per-x (PPX) business models. By using existing maturity model design guidelines, action design research methodology as well as PPX-related literature and analogous maturity models in fields such as servitization, digitization, Industry 4.0, data-driven manufacturing and product-service systems, this paper explains how the creation of a maturity model could enable a systematic approach to implementing the new PPX business models. The paper will also provide the basis for the PPX maturity model development and validation in the future, while aiding the equipment manufacturing companies in assessing their current as-is situation in the most critical areas of PPX implementation as well as formulating a roadmap towards the implementation.

Perbaikan Sistem Kerja Proses Pemasangan Ban Truk dengan Perancangan Peralatan Pendukung Menggunakan QFD dan REBA

PT.X as one of the heavy equipment manufacturing company are producing mining and non-mining transportation product (e.g. Semi Side Tipper (SST) & Dolly). In producing those kinds of products that mostly using tires, there is a process area to do mounting truck tire. Based on interviews and direct observation results, there is a symptom of Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD), especially in the low back area. The low back pain experienced by the operators is caused by an awkward posture that resulted from Manual Material Handling (MMH) in this process. Lifting and holding the tire that is located on the floor with diameter 1.2m, height 0.3m, and weight 90 Kg also the reasons why the awkward posture appears during the mounting truck tire process. Using Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), Nordic Questionnaire, and followed by the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) approach for product design are used to do the improvement for the process. In the end, these ergonomics issues are solved by developing material handling tools that can minimize the risk and symptoms of CTDs. It can be shown by initially REBA score is on level 11 (Very High Risk) to level 7 (Medium Risk) and for the Nordic result from 7 body parts that feel discomfort, now it just becomes 1 body parts feel discomfort.

Kano 모델 및 Timko의 계수를 활용한 자재 관리 품질 특성 연구

Purpose In cases of inventory management at small and medium-sized manufacturing companies, it is difficult to distinguish priorities of on-site inventory management, and the activities to identify and improve inventory management problems are not clear. To solve these problems, we suggest the methodology to present the quality characteristics that need improvement first. Methods We propose the quality characteristics that need improvement by applying the methodology. We define the quality attributes of inventory management and classify the quality characteristics through a survey applying Kano model. Using the results of the survey, Timko’s customer satisfaction coefficient is calculated to improve the quality of inventory management. Results The proposed model is validated through a case study of a shipbuilding equipment manufacturing company. The model identified and classified 11 attributes of the quality of inventory management. The reliability of these attributes are verified by the Cronbach’s alpha (α). Conclusion The proposed model contributes to identify key attributes that affect the manufacturer''s inventory management. The model can also provide priorities of the attributes that need to be improved first. Therefore, this research can help to clearly identify and progress the improvement activities that are really needed in practical manufacturing companies.

Research on the Formation, Breakthrough and Countermeasures of the Captive Governance Mode of China’s Sporting Goods Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Companies

The integration of China’s sporting goods industry into the global value chain (GVC) has brought opportunities for the development of the industry. However, the both-ends-abroad OEM production mode is "locked" in the low value-added processing and production link in the GVC, which is located at the lowest end of the GVC. When international financial crisis breaks out, the orders of domestic OEM companies decrease significantly, which directly affects the development of the companies. Thus, it indicates that China's sporting goods OEM companies should not rely too much on international processing and export trade, but to rely on the local market to build a national value chain (NVC), integrate domestic and foreign sellers and suppliers and form an orderly product competition and certain market share ability through corporate mergers and acquisitions, product outsourcing, etc. Through the leverage of NVC, leading companies can achieve the expansion of the competitive advantages. Cultivate domestic multinational companies that can compete with international multinational companies in NVC, so that they can focus on the governance and control of the core links of the value chain, realize independent product research and development, brand and sales channel construction, support and help small and medium-sized domestic enterprises take the path of professional development in NVC, actively guide and encourage cooperation with the core to create value chain advantages, and achieve win-win cooperation and products’ functional upgrade.

A Multidimensional Analysis of Letters to the Shareholders by Chinese and American Advanced Equipment Manufacturing Companies

Initially proposed by Biber, the multidimensional analysis is used to examine the linguistic variation among different registers, shedding light on the linguistic features and differences among different genres. Through the tool of MAT, this study compared the register features in the letters to the shareholders by Chinese and American advanced equipment manufacturing companies (AEMCs). It is found that: 1) the letters to the shareholders by Chinese and American AEMCs are both informational, non-narrative, contextually independent, non-overt in expressing views, abstract and well-planned, belonging to the text type of learned exposition; 2) In comparison, the letters to the shareholders by Chinese AEMCs are relatively more informational, narrative and abstract, but less dependent on context and lower in on-line informational elaboration while letters by American AEMCs show more features of interaction with the readers, focusing on the present actions, context-dependence and on-line informational elaboration; 3) The key linguistic features that account for these differences include nouns, nominalizations, first-person pronouns, present tense verbs, past tense verbs, phrasal coordination, phrasal coordination, prediction modals, conjuncts, passives, demonstratives and that-clauses. 4) The future Return on Equity (ROE) of the Chinese AEMCs is related to the dimensions of “explicit/context-dependent references” and “on-line informational elaboration”. 5) In comparison to the previous study, industry is found to have an effect on the linguistic variation of letters to the shareholders. This study gave a comprehensive view of the linguistic features and differences in the letters to the shareholders by Chinese and American AEMCs and had some pedagogical implications for business English teaching and learning.