World Class Manufacturing, Toyota Manufacturing System: production system comparison in sustainability context Cover Image

World Class Manufacturing a Toyota Production System: porównanie systemów produkcyjnych w kontekście zrównoważonego rozwoju
World Class Manufacturing, Toyota Manufacturing System: production system comparison in sustainability context

Author(s): Radosław Piątek
Subject(s): Business Economy / Management
Published by: Wojskowa Akademia Techniczna im. Jarosława Dąbrowskiego
Keywords: production system; WCM; TPS; World Class Manufacturing; Toyota Production System; comparison;

Summary/Abstract: Production systems are one of the main pillars of the enterprises. Their efficiency and principles of func-tioning determine the final quality of products, which recipients are institutions and end consumers. However, nowadays, in addition to the previously mentioned issues, new requirements related to the concept of sustainability have appeared. Production methods, impact on the natural environment, or respect for the human being have become as important aspects as durability or product price. The aim of the following paper is to present a comparison of two production systems which are very popular, especially in the automotive industry: Toyota Production System and World Class Manufacturing in the context of sustainable development. For this purpose, a comparative analysis based on four categories: system complexity, popularity, universality and connections with suitability. The collected material is diverse in nature, which allows for a wide spectrum of research and comparison of both solutions. As a result of the analysis, differences in the level of complication of both production solutions can be noticed. The Toyota Production System structure is less complicated than World Class Manufacturing. The model representation of the TPS system shows all the main components along with their most important features and applications. WCM is a system with a more complicated structure, specifying more aspects necessary for implementation and maintenance. In the case of the popularity of both solutions, the study showed that the most frequently searched phrase is Toyota Production System, but World Class Manufacturing has more publications and materials. Both systems are highly versatile production solutions. The analyzed case studies show successful implementations in manufacturing and service companies in industries not related to the automotive industry. Referring to compliance with the determinants of suitability, it can be stated that both systems contain elements responsible for the implementation of the abovementioned provisions, but they implement them in different ways. TPS does not refer to the concept of sustainable development, but the system itself has issues focused on the reduction of losses, savings, production of only the components needed at a given moment, or respect for people. WCM, on the other hand, has a dedicated element re-sponsible for meeting the requirements of the ISO 14000 standard, relating to environmental impact management. Finally, it can be assumed that both systems have many common features, e.g. in the case of functional assumptions, but the implementation is of a different nature. TPS is a simpler system that allows you to easily adapt to the specifics of the organization. WCM is a more complicated system with a high degree of formalization. The analysis performed is of a review nature, showing the possibly wide spectrum of both production systems. Research can be further pursued through more detailed analyzes of each aspect of the systems or comparisons with other manufacturing solutions.

  • Issue Year: 17/2022
  • Issue No: 4
  • Page Range: 91-110
  • Page Count: 20
  • Language: Polish