In such a setting then, the problems with the plant's machineries and equipments constitute a pivotal factor in the generation of delivery delays. The more stringent situation in this sense is represented in the case of lean times, which subsequently exacerbate the delays in using the respective machine; lead times can take any time from a few weeks to several months. In this context, the single solution is for the manufacturing managers to ensure adequate planning solutions (the Eagle Technology Group, 2011).
Another example is represented by the malfunction in plant production equipments which would also slow down -- or even temporarily cease -- the manufacturing operations. Aside from the actual delays, these forces also generate operational inefficiencies and supplementary expenditures. Finally, a last example to be revealed at this stage is represented by the sometimes common need to switch equipments when moving from one project to the other, or even form one stage to the other. Unless the plant and its team are able to quickly make the switch between equipments delays and inefficiencies would be created (System Design).
d) Other internal factors causing delivery delays
Aside from the already mentioned factors influencing delays in the completion of the manufacturing projects, there are also some other forces which should be mentioned. These are briefly introduced below:
The usage of tertiary parties to complete part of the manufacturing operations; outsourcing can as such be a cause of delays as it generates the loss of control and increases the plant's dependability on a tertiary party (Bragg, 2006)
The decision to relocate the manufacturing plant or to renovate it; in the long-term, such a decision could case organizational gains, yet, in the short-term, it can lead to manufacturing delays
Product complains and its endangerment of consumer health, which would translate into the need to reassess the entire design and manufacturing processes (the Eagle Technologies Group, 2011).
c) External factors
Aside from the previously mentioned factors, delays in the delivery of the manufactured items can also be generated by forces outside the plant. One relevant example in this sense is represented by the delays which could be registered by the suppliers in their own delivery of the commodities; by lacking in the materials necessary for production, the manufacturing plant is unable to work on schedule and deliver as initially planned, leading as such to delays.
Then, another external cause is represented by the delays generated by the customers. In some cases, customers check with the manufacturing outcomes while the process is still ongoing. It is sometimes possible for them to not agree with the offered quality and to demand superior quality; in such a setting, the operational complexities become increased and delays are generated. Additionally, delays can also be generated when the customers change their minds about the order by desiring new features, changes in the volume or the order and so on. Increases in consumer demand for instance almost always materialize in production delays as the manufacturing plant is unable to cope with an unexpected surge in demand (the Eagle Technologies Group, 2011).
Another source of delays can be represented by the natural environment. The effects from natural disasters affect transportation projects but normally the climate changes will affect only the outdoor construction companies because as the organization will not be able to calculate on length time planning of production, which will lead to project delays.
Delays in the delivery of the manufacturing projects can also be encountered due to logistics reasons. The more relevant example in this sense is represented by the relation with the transport company. Sometimes, choosing the transport company is important for every company to avoid project delayed. Some transport companies have poor tracking records of on time delivering to customers. Moreover, delayed shipment can be caused by several factors such as customs, weather, or address, which are beyond the control of the transport company. The transportation delays include any problems which could be encountered at the levels of flight, vessel, and rail transport (Branch, 2008). Each type of transportation has different quality of time controlling, so choosing the right type of transportation can help company to save cost of delivery and manage it to deliver on time.
2.4. Recommendations for dependable product delivery
However disruptive and costly the displays can be within the manufacturing plants, fact remains that these can be addressed through several measures in a means in which their incidence and severity would decrease. Some examples in this sense include the following:
Adjusting the organizational culture and improving the management practices
The stimulation of organizational learning
The improvement in the quality of organizational leadership
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now