Prototyping Manufacturing Systems

Manufacturing demands that systems be user friendly, flexible, and conform to the ever-changing demands of the customer.  Prototypes are systems within themselves because they are developed from scratch using guidelines that are tailored to meet the manufacturing process.  Systems analysts use prototyping in two phases; with the first being a low-tech version (paper generated) to easily adapt to changes, and the second a high-tech version of computer software that has been developed with user input.

Successful prototyping demands that every employee involved in system development and feedback be educated with the most advanced knowledge available.  The results of successfully prototyping a system is that the system integrates with the agile manufacturing model.  In order for this to be accomplished, end-user feedback is critical.  In fact, the Hardgrave and Wilson study concluded that established guidelines were employed in a minority of situations because those guidelines failed to meet the requirements that analysts and end-users developed for a particular manufacturing process.  The study also concluded that low-tech prototyping was the choice because of the flexibility it offered to meet the changing needs of end-users.

Prototyping is advantageous to companies because it reduces development costs and requires active involvement from end-users.  It also reduces the time needed for developing new software to fit the manufacturing model.  On occasion, prototyping can be a disadvantage when proper documentation is not accomplished, or when the end-user expects more than the system is capable of giving.  Too much system sophistication can result in loss of valuable time for the manufacturing model.  The prototype system can grow in stages and become fine-tuned as it is integrated into the manufacturing model.