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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/R13128/01
Title: Future Supply Innovations (Fusion): Next-Generation Supply Mechanisms For High-Volume Production of Customised Products
Principal Investigator: Kehoe, Professor D
Other Investigators:
Lyons, Professor AC Lyons, Dr A
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Delphi Automotive Systems U K Ltd Jaguar Land Rover
Department: School of Engineering
Organisation: University of Liverpool
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 September 2001 Ends: 31 March 2002 Value (£): 438,820
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Manufact. Enterprise Ops& Mgmt
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Transport Systems and Vehicles
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
Next-generation manufacturing will be driven by next-generation supply chains. Customers will take low cost, fast delivery and perfect quality for granted. They will demand bespoke products tailored to their individual needs at a price equivalent to today's mass-produced products. Manufacturers will be required to mass customise, that is, produce high volumes of individualised products. This will be the dominant industrial paradigm in the 21st century and will be the core challenge faced by the next generation of manufacturers in key economy-driving industrial sectors.It is often assumed that the most significant inhibitor in making the transition to mass customisation is the inadequacies of today's processing technologies. However, although significant work remains to be done in terms of process technology, the highest hurdle is the responsiveness of today's supply chains. Even where customisation does exist in complex manufacturing and where research has been undertaken, it is only at the highest level of the supply chain, that is, within the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) where attempts are being made to be sufficiently flexible. The idea of total supply chain customisation, where every participant in the supply of raw materials, component parts, sub-assemblies and assemblies is producing only to the unique requirements of an end consumer is considered unattainable. This research project will deliver the means by which this goal can be realised.
Key Findings
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Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.liv.ac.uk