The Application of Collective System Design to Develop SME's

This paper addresses the challenges faced by most Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in improving operational efficiency and competitiveness. Two system design examples are presented. The first is a manufacturing SME that requires adaptable product design and assembly processes within a dynamic, custom job shop environment. The second system design is a service-oriented, higher-education SME requiring the design of standard work and communication of information to achieve student success outcomes. Collective System Design is applied with two different SMEs to determine if the design methodology may be used within both a manufacturing SME and a service SME. This paper emphasizes the potential of Collective System Design (CSD) in addressing enterprise complexity through standard work and continuous improvement. The application of CSD aims to improve customer satisfaction and process efficiency, and to reduce waste. The goal is to promote sustainability for SMEs within different types of enterprises. Success is measured through Functional Requirement Measures (FRm), to provide a numerical assessment of how well each enterprise Functional Requirement (FR) is achieved.