Mass customisation procedures in engine assembly

Abstract

The implementation of mass customisation into a manufacturing environment is by no means an easy task to achieve. This thesis will attempt to investigate the areas within a manufacturing company that require change in order to be integrated into a mass customised environment. The hypothesis behind the research is that all aspects of mass customisation in manufacturing can be brought together in a framework for the implementation of new products into a mass customised organisation. Two major case study investigations were undertaken at a diesel engine manufacturing company, Cummins Engines, at their Darlington Engine Plant to observe current practices for new product introduction and identify opportunities for improvement through tailoring the procedures towards a mass customised environment. An objective of the research was to understand the inter-relationships between processes and departmental structures. Recommendations for possible improvements in processes, procedures and practices in mass customisation framework are included, with a particular focus on new product introduction. The work carried out within the thesis will look at what inputs are required within a new product introduction programme in order to get the desired outputs. The typical inputs will include the relationships between different departments within an organisation and what is required in order to introduce a mass customised product