Total agile design system model via literature exploration

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the researches reported in literature on agile manufacturing (AM) and determine the avenues by which agility can be imparted in traditional sectors. Design/methodology/approach – After reviewing the literature on AM, it has been found that these papers address AM along as many as 12 directions. The findings of this review are used to design a model called total agile design system (TADS). Findings – The major finding of the exploration reported in this paper is that, the need of the hour is to sensitize the traditional sectors for acquiring design capabilities compatible for imbibing agility in totality. Research limitations/implications – The TADS model proposed has been reviewed only by 25 industry captains. However, this may not affect the credibility of this model as it is designed by referring to a large number of researches reported in peer reviewed articles appeared in leading international journals. Practical implications – After designing, TADS was exposed to 25 industry captains. Their feedback was gathered using a questionnaire. The results of analysis of their feedback indicates the practical compatibility of TADS. Originality/value – It appears that no researcher has identified the different directions in which AM researches have progressed. Moreover, no researcher has contributed a model to adopt computer aided design (CAD)/computer aided manufacturing (CAM) and rapid prototyping (RP) technologies in totality to achieve agility in manufacturing organisations. As this paper has overcome the absence of these kinds of researches, it is original and valuable.