Methodology for resource allocation in the tool and die industry

The effects of globalization have caused a continuous increase of competition intensity within the tool and die industry. Thus European tool shops have access to emerging markets but in the same time they have to face new competitors with lower factor costs. Furthermore customer requirements have changed. New customer requirements lead to derivatization and decreasing product lifecycles. The demographic change results in limited availability of skilled and experienced employees which especially affects know-how intensive industries as the tool and die industry. In sum all factors force European tool shops to aim for a fast, efficient and cost minimal manufacturing process. This aim is only achievable by a capable employee and technology allocation. This paper presents a methodology developed by the Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL) of RWTH Aachen University, which shows an appropriate resource allocation regarding employees and technologies to enable an optimal value creation process.