A manufacturing performance evaluation model for notebook computer manufacturers

The notebook computer industry is closely connected to global economies. The major notebook computer companies have cut their prices to increase market share in a highly competitive marketplace. The OEM manufacturers have sharply reduce profit to generate orders. The key to survival for ODM/OEM manufacturers is to improve production performance; however, production improvements require a complete production performance evaluation model and accurate evaluation indices. Such a model will help businesses exploit resources, improve production performance to meet customer needs and reach operational goals. This study divides the performance evaluation model for production of notebook computers into three stages: construction of preliminary evaluation indices; revision of evaluation indices; and, construction of an evaluation model. Evaluation indices are based on quality, cost, delivery and flexibility. These characteristics are used to develop 12 strategic themes and 69 performance evaluation indices. Preliminary evaluation indices are constructed using the Delphi method. Opinions from industrial, governmental and academic professionals are collected and analyzed. The Analytical Network Process (ANP) developed by Saaty is applied to weight indices for each characteristic. Finally, the complete model is deployed to evaluate the performance of the case company and verify model practicability.