Abstract

Ford has pioneered several innovative automobile manufacturing techniques since its inception. In the mid 1990s, Ford restructured its manufacturing operations in its efforts to induce more flexibility and enhance the efficiency of its automobile production systems. The restructuring effort was known as Ford Production System (FPS). The case discusses the keys elements of FPS and how it was implemented by Ford. The case also discusses how Ford implemented the principles of lean manu-facturing through FPS at its manufacturing operations. Finally, the case discusses the benefits reaped by the company after the implementation of FPS.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• Lean Manufacturing, advanced manufacturing practices, just- in-time production.

Keywords

Lean Manufacturing, Ford Production System, Flexible Assembly System, Advanced Manufacturing Practices, Environmental Management, Just in Time Production, Synchronized Material Flow, Inline Vehicle Sequencing, Plant Layouts, Total Productive Maintenance