Group Technology Production Methods in Manufacture - Ellis Horwood Series in Engineering Science.

A description of the principles of group technology which provides a basic introduction to the methodology and benefits of the subject. It also indicates the current scale of development by reference to industrial applications. Some emphasis has been placed on the re-organisation of manufacturing facilities for ordered work flow, with easier and better control, which yields the greatest benefits. The text also includes descriptions of actual applications of the basic approach to design, estimating and planning.;The text is largely devoted to principles, practical advice regarding specific techniques, and examples from existing practice (in the USA, Europe and Japan). It argues that because the implementation of group technology can fundamentally affect the overall structure and pattern of the working day for most employees in a firm and involve them in a new way of thinking, consideration of the long term effects are important. At the same time, the justification for technological or structural change has to be seen in terms of the economic and organizational benefits that result.