Operational competitive requirements for the twenty‐first century

To stay competitive in future global markets, manufacturers must face the challenge to sustain superior performance in three important aspects of operational capability ‐ flexibility, speed, and the ability to serve the customer. These capabilities are achieved by the manufacturer’s ability to excel in product development, production operations, customer order processing and delivery, and the development of supply networks. The specific requirements for each of these systems are described. Examples of techniques that will be beneficial in achieving excellence in each of these critical areas of operations are given.