Effects of Standardization in a Developing Manufacturing Environment

Growing a small-to-medium sized company while balancing financial health and operational excellence is a topic of significant interest across industries alike. It is generally accepted that when scaling operations, the behaviors that led to the success of a small company cannot be the same practices carried forward. Both people and the environment must adapt to reach success at the next level. This study examines the three primary challenges associated with the growth of a small, trailer chassis manufacturing company, PRATT Industries. First, the impact of culture and morale were assessed as they relate to employee retention and hiring practices. Second, statistical process control was applied to quality defect data. In conjunction with additional data analysis, this was utilized to identify the most meaningful root cause corrective actions. Lastly, inventory management was explored as it relates to ordering practices and factory floor organization. Underpinning all the above themes is the emphasis on the development of standardized, repeatable processes.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mechanical Engineering

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2022

Author dc:creator

• Smolinski, Stephanie

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Fine, Charles
• Hardt, David

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
• Copyright retained by author(s)

Licence dc:rights.uri

• https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC-EDU/1.0/

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/146707

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/146707