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.<
>