AbstractCellular manufacturing (CM) has received strong endorsement as an innovation that enhances quality, throughput time, inventory turnover, workflow, space utilization, and flexibility [Nyman, L. (Ed.), 1992. Making Manufacturing Cells Work. Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Dearborn, MI.]. However, definitions of what truly is meant by the term ‘manufacturing cell’ vary somewhat among academics and to a large extent among practitioners [Shafer S.M., Meredith, J.M., Marsh, R.F., 1995. Omega 23(4), 361–376.]. These discrepancies can make it difficult to compare the results of studies focused on measuring the effectiveness of cells. It is our position that some of the confusion in the field derives from an assumption that a cell is simply a layout—nothing more—leaving room for numerous approaches to cell design and operation. Our goal in writing this paper is to suggest a more comprehensive perspective. Based on our ongoing field research and an exploration of the literature, we propose an underlying theory to describe the discipline necessary for effective cell operation. We differentiate real cells from other types of cells based on the presence of key linkages. In a real cell, work tasks and those who perform them are connected in terms of time, space and information. Of these linking mechanisms, which represent the core of the cell discipline, information appears to be the most significant determinant of effectiveness. Additionally, we emphasize that cell operators are central to the discipline, underscoring our position that a cell is more than an arrangement of equipment. Factors such as multi‐skilling, reduced set‐up times, small transfer batch size, and the presence of visual controls serve as enablers that strengthen the discipline, but are not fundamental to our theoretical definition. Configurations not adhering to the discipline of time, space, and information may be classified as latent or virtual cells, and may be expected to perform at levels less than those of real cells. Although our theory of cell discipline is grounded in observational study, its potential robustness will be confirmed most appropriately through carefully designed and executed field experiments.
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