A review of machine efficiency in mass customization

The relationship between mass customization and sustainable performance: The role of firm size and global E-commerce

The formation of mass customization competencies is crucial for the increasing number of manufacturing companies in modern times. This study assessed the relationship between mass customization capability and its determinants on sustainable performance. Additionally, it explores the mediating role of mass customization capability and sustainable performance, while also examining the moderating effects of firm size and cross-border eCommerce in these associations. The study used online survey data from 339 manufacturing small-to-medium-sized enterprises in China to test the hypothesized relationships. The collected data were analyzed using partial least square structural equation modeling and necessary condition analysis. The results indicated that flexible manufacturing competencies, modular product architecture, and customer relationship management are significantly and positively connected to mass customization capability. Moreover, the study observed that mass customization capability and competitive pressure have a significant positive influence on the sustainable performance of Chinese manufacturing SMEs. The findings also revealed that firm size and cross-border e-commerce engagement have a negative and positive moderating effect, respectively, between mass customization capability on sustainable performance, which confirms a relatively higher effect of customization capability on sustainable performance among smaller firms and firms engaged in cross-border eCommerce. Fundamentally, these findings can lead to the development of a comprehensive framework to promote mass customization capability, cross-border e-commerce, and sustainable development of manufacturing small-to-medium-sized enterprises China.

Optimization of decoupling point position using metaheuristic evolutionary algorithms for smart mass customization manufacturing

In this paper, we present two metaheuristic evolutionary algorithms-based approaches to position the customer order decoupling point (CODP) in smart mass customization (SMC). SMC tries to autonomously mass customize and produce products per customer needs in Industry 4.0. SMC shown here is from the perspective of arriving at a CODP during manufacturing process flow designs meant for fast moving and complex product variants. Learning generally needs several repetitive cycles to break the complexity barrier. We make use of fruit fly and particle swarm optimization (PSO) evolutionary algorithms with the help of MATLAB programming to constantly search better fitting consecutive process modules in manufacturing chain. CODP is optimized by increasing modularity and reducing complexity through evolutionary concept. Learning-based PSO iterations are performed. The methods shown here are recommended for process flow design in a learning-oriented supply chain organization which can involve in-house and outsourced manufacturing steps. Finally, a complexity reduction model is presented which can aid in deploying this concept in design of supply chain and manufacturing flows.

Achieving mass customization capability: the roles of flexible manufacturing competence and workforce management practices

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of flexible manufacturing competence (FMC) and workforce management practices (WMP) in facilitating the development of mass customization capability (MCC). More specifically, this research analyzes not only the direct effects of FMC and WMP on MCC but also the moderating effect of WMP on the relationship between FMC and MCC.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on the resource-based view, a research framework depicting the linkages among the variables of interest has been proposed. The examination of the proposed research model and hypotheses are conducted by applying partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) on a dataset of Indian manufacturing organizations.

Findings

The findings suggest that both FMC and WMP significantly and positively affect the development of MCC. Also, the results show that the relationship between FMC and MCC is strengthened by the implementation of WMP.

Practical implications

The study identifies several crucial practices for enhancement of flexible manufacturing competence and effective management of the workforce and also highlights the complementarities among them to develop superior MCC.

Originality/value

While the research on the antecedent of MCC has increased substantially, the understanding of the interactions among FMC, WMP, and MCC is still limited. This is the first study that sheds light on the interconnectedness among the variables of interest.