Process Industries 2

4Operations

Chapter written by Jean-Pierre DAL PONT.

PRELIMINARY NOTE.– This chapter covers operations, also known as production or manufacturing. It is a key function and therefore a prerequisite for the survival of the industrial enterprise that ensures revenues through the proceeds of sales. Its primary objectives are: to serve customers, provide them with added value, and integrate into their value chain. The days when demand exceeded supply are now over. This was the case for France during the Trentes Glorieuses (1945–1975). Today, consumers find almost every product they need; and they have choices. One could almost say the whole world is at their doorstep! This is the case for the automotive, audiovisual, chemical and pharmacy sectors, to name but a few. Effectively managing the industrial tool, developing it, improving its performance, competitiveness, reducing costs, supplying at an ever-faster pace customers who have to be retained – all of this makes up permanent challenges for the manufacturer to consciously create jobs and wealth. Japan, a country with scarce resources, shaken almost daily by earthquakes that fortunately are most small in amplitude, has risen to second place in the world behind the United States, which is three times more populous. This has been possible by reconsidering the country’s production methods during the postwar period when it was devastated. Toyotism has allowed Japan to become a major producer in the automotive industry, beating the ...