An empirically based analytical approach to process technology andinternational location choice for electronics assembly

摘要

An attempt is made to determine the potential impacts of moderntechnologies and managerial procedures on printed circuit board assemblyoperations in lesser-developed newly industrializing and developedcountries. This is done to assess implications for globalcompetitiveness. Empirical data on manufacturing operations weregathered, and analytical factory models created. Manufacturing costs andperformance characteristics were assessed in each country type atseveral process technology levels. The results of implementations ofmanagerial practices and technologies such as just-in-time or higherlevels of automation were assessed. In general, newly industrializingcountries (such as Singapore or Korea) were found to produce the lowestcost products; however, developed countries (such as the USA) couldcompete in other ways, including high product value arising fromadvanced technology usage and reduced product cost arising from the useof design-for-manufacture principles