Complementarities between information sources to support the implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies

Abstract

Recently, manufacturers have invested significantly in the implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies (AMT) in an attempt to gain a competitive advantage. The outcomes of these investments have been varied. Yet, the impact of information supports on AMT implementations and the complementarities that exist between such supports have not been determined. This study develops a model of manufacturing plant productivity using complementarity assumptions developed by and . Constrained regression analysis reveals that implementing the appropriate set of information supports results in a significant improvement in the return on the AMT implementation. Demonstrating the practical application of the results, the optimal information support practices are provided for an example plant using a solution lattice from this study.