Define Manufacturing Enterprise
A "manufacturing enterprise" is not simply a company that makes things. According to the Computer and Automated Systems Association of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (CASA/SME) definition, a manufacturing enterprise includes six key, interconnected factors. These factors are parts of CASA/SME's Manufacturing Enterprise Wheel.
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Customer
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Customers are at the hub of the wheel, for most manufacturers. Their orders and demands drive the manufacturing operation.
People and Teamwork
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This broad element of manufacturing includes metrics, rewards, quality circles and any worker-driven or worker-fulfilling process.
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Shared Knowledge and Systems
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These are manual or computerized processes for research, analysis, innovation, decision making and control. Centralized software applications like Oracle and SAP, and a company's computer network, are key elements of shared knowledge.
Processes
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Manufacturers typically conduct 15 types of processes, which include product definition, production, and customer support.
Resources and Responsibilities
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CASA/SME defines resources as input, and responsibilities as output. These involve investments and capital (input), plus regulatory, ethical and environmental responsibilities (output).
Infrastructure
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This involves both the self-contained company and its interrelationships with customers and suppliers. Interestingly, a "manufacturing enterprise" may not own a single piece of equipment, relying instead on suppliers and offshore manufacturers. This is common in the apparel industry.
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