Crossing the divide [corporate and manufacturing decision processes]

The decline of the UK´s competitive position has been there for all to see. The cut and thrust and struggle for companies to survive has become a way of life. To close down a plant, once an anathema to business, has now become an acceptable course of action to follow based upon some corporate strategic decision. There is a lack of understanding and empathy by top management towards manufacturing and investment in the new plant. There are three things a company must do to compete effectively. They are to: provide an efficient well automated manufacturing system which will give the business a distinct advantage over competitors; provide a co-ordinated method of determining the ways in which products win orders; and control the process in such a way that the product meets the order winning criteria and maximises profit