An integrated approach for implementation of agile manufacturing system in an Indian manufacturing industry

Purpose: The advent of globalization not only made the manufacturing sector highly competitive but also facilitated best-quality products. The trend is further augmented by e-Commerce which increases the penetration to the targeted customer with the easy availability of customized product. In this backdrop, Indian manufacturing industries are striving hard to seek out best systems which will yield maximum profitability. Time is ripe to realize the true potential of agile manufacturing system (AMS). Infusion of AMS in manufacturing industry will bring forth the elusive mix of customer needs and products at lowest possible cost. But adoption and implementation of AMS is a challenging task in itself. There are certain facilitators and criteria which not only facilitate the system but also help in the effective and smooth implementation of this system. The purpose of this paper is to identify the criteria to weightage and ranking to AMS facilitators. This study was carried out by different approaches, namely, entropy approach, multi-objective optimization on the basis of ratio analysis (MOORA) method, Vlsekriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) analysis and a cross-sectional survey of manufacturing firms in India. Design/methodology/approach: The criteria and facilitators are identified followed by the application of entropy approach, MOORA method and VIKOR analysis to study and analyze the criteria weight and provide the ranking to AMS facilitators. Findings: The result of the entropy approach concludes that beneficiary and non-beneficiary criteria carry 48.43 and 51.56 percent weight, respectively. MOORA method and VIKOR analysis conclude that organization structure and virtual enterprise facilitators are carrying the first and second rank, respectively. Research limitations/implications: This study is completed on the basis of responses from few experts from industry and academicians who may not reflect the attitude of entire industry community. Practical implications: This research is expected to facilitate policy makers in government and industries to frame policies for optimum utilization of resources and infrastructure for better performance. This paper helps the researcher to do a case study on the implementation of AMS and then finally helps to society in getting the high-quality product in an easy way. Originality/value: Integration of entropy approach, MOORA method and VIKOR analysis with identification of AMS criteria weightage and ranking to AMS facilitators has been recommended for an industry which is an innovative effort for the execution of AMS.