Agile manufacturing: a taxonomy of strategic and technological imperatives

Agile Manufacturing (AM) is a relatively new operations concept that is intended to improve the competitiveness of firms. Manufacturing/service processes based on AM are characterized by customer-supplier integrated processes for product design, manufacturing, marketing, and support services. Agile manufacturing requires enriching of the customer; cooperating with competitors; organizing to manage change, uncertainty and complexity; and leveraging people and information. In recent years, a number of research papers have been published in the area of AM. The term 'agile' was coined in 1991. However, there are still some serious concerns that prevent companies from taking an entirely different direction from AM. Considering the potential importance of agile manufacturing in 21st century manufacturing competitiveness, an attempt has been made in this paper to re-examine the scope, definitions and strategies of AM. In addition, a framework has been presented as a basis for understanding the major strategies and relevant technologies of AM.