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As cognitive tasks have displaced physical tasks in today's manufacturing industry, this sector can demand high levels of mental workload from workers. In certain situations, there is a high cognitive load, which affects operators reducing their attention to the task and causing them mental fatigue and distractions, resulting in errors that generate economic costs or even injuries to workers. This literature review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding the use of mental workload in the manufacturing sector. The methodology consisted of conducting a search in four databases. In the search, a combination of keywords was used, classifying each journal according to the mental workload evaluation means, the type of evaluation, and the area of application. Articles not focusing on the manufacturing area were discarded. Of the total of 3839 articles found, 12 have been selected. Regarding the methods used for mental load assessment, the analytic techniques were found to be the most frequently used.

Usability is the characteristic of a software product of being effective and efficient and producing satisfaction for users and traditionally is assessed through questionnaires but most of them are only available in English. A software usability assessment questionnaire (SUAQ) is proposed in two languages: Spanish and English. The methodology comprises four stages: 1) questionnaire development, 2) administration, 3) statistical validation, and 4) sample size determination. Twenty items were evaluated in terms of clarity, consistency, and relevancy. Then, the SUAQ was administered to 95 respondents. Overall, reliability values were acceptable in Spanish and English version, respectively. The factor analysis was feasible since the KMO index, and the Bartlett sphericity test was statistically significant. Both versions of SUAQ were tested to determine their validity. The findings show that the proposed methodology is an effective usability assessment instrument and thus an effective software improvement tool from a bilingual approach.

This chapter presents a knowledge management and Ergonomics implementation in manufacturing systems, through the development and validation of a critical success factors questionnaire. The instrument developed measures the frequency of inclusion of critical success factors for the implementation of Ergonomics and its benefits, validated in the manufacturing industry. The frequency is based on a five-point Likert scale. So far, no instrument able to measure such factors has been found in the literature. The questionnaire comprises 73 questions presented in four main stages: planning, process startup stage, work improvement cycle and long-term development. In addition, it contains a section of benefits regarding health and safety, operational and quality of life at work. The instrument was validated through a pilot test involving 140 participants from seven companies in the manufacturing sector of Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México, through the use of an intentional selective method.

This paper reports a structural equation model to relate three critical success factors for total quality management (TQM) (i.e. managerial commitment, role of quality department, and quality policies) with customer satisfaction benefits through six hypotheses, which are statistically tested with information from 398 responses to a survey applied to Mexican manufacturing industry and using partial least squares technique integrated in WarpPLS v.6 software. The paper also reports a sensitivity analysis based on conditional probabilities for analyze low and high scenarios. Findings indicate that managerial commitment is the most important variable to ensure TQM, yet it depends on the role of the quality department for deploy quality policies and guarantee customer satisfaction. Similarly, sensibility analysis demonstrate that high levels of managerial commitment always guarantee a high performance in quality departments and good quality policies, thereby contributing to customer satisfaction. From this perspective, there are statistical evidence to declare that managers and operators are the main facilitators of TQM success.

This paper presents the effects between Logistics Network and Value-Added activities 3PL environments and its effect on the Financial and Strategic Performance of Mexican Maquiladoras companies. The significant increase in outsourcing transportation services in freight transport at the border Mexico-United States has inspired this research. The paper presents four hypotheses, tested with data from 158 responses to a questionnaire applied to engineers from the manufacturing industry in Ciudad Juarez (Mexico). The hypotheses were tested statistically using the partial least squares technique. Results indicate that a good design of a Logistics Network has a positive effect on Strategic Performance through transport logistics planning to reduce distribution times and costs. Additionally, the Value-Added services offered by a 3PL positively affect Strategic Performance through labeling-marking, packaging, and reassembling of products. Also, the Strategic Performance has a positive effect on Financial Performance through flexibility and risk minimization of 3PL provider, and this is the enormous effect that arguing theoretically and demonstrating empirically that the outsourcing of 3PL incremented the economic benefits to the quantity of 76.20% between Financial Performance and provides a reference to make decisions according to strategies to incorporate 3PL in such maquiladora industries. Keywords: 3PL, strategic performance, financial performance, structural equations

The purpose of this chapter is to present the relationship between the external service provider named Third Party Logistics 3PL and the performance of the logistics process in Mexican manufacturing companies, in order to ascertain the contribution of the aspects considered, allowing companies' suggested improvement actions. Through a field research in Ciudad Juarez and making use of an instrument about 3PL, authors considered four variables: transport, transport management, information technologies, and warehouse. To find the causal model with the relationships between the variables, authors used structural equations modelling. That also identified the relevant aspects in 3PL providers companies' manufacturing and collaboration activities realized in the practice. The results indicate that mainly the information technologies and the transport management have a greater influence on the performance of the logistics process in this type of company.

This chapter presents a literature review about the vendor-managed inventory as well as the methods which improve management, to discover, describe, and analyze methodologies that have been used to support the process of the VMI integration and coordination in the supply chain. Authors focus generally on the advantages that are offered by the VMI to achieve cooperation in a vendor-customer relationship. Results reveal that there is a diversity in the methodologies that were implemented, which perhaps relies on the game theory as a recent methodology that was included to achieve long-term relationships between vendor and customer, because currently supply chains are operating in dynamic environments that require greater efforts of integration among all participants or members.

Background Usability is an essential characteristic of software development, which needs to be evaluated mainly through questionnaires. However, the questionnaires available in Spanish are limited and not available for most software's developers and users. Objectives This work aimed to design and validate a new questionnaire to evaluate software usability, considering the characteristics of efficiency, effectiveness, and satisfaction as defined by the International Standards Organization. Methods The Software Usability Assessment Questionnaire or SUAQ in Spanish language was designed and validated using Kendall's coefficient, Cronbach's Alpha, Factorial Analysis and Scree test. Results The questionnaire's validation was carried out by five experts through an evaluation of the clarity, coherence, and relevance of the proposed items. Once the questionnaire was administered to 95 participants, an overall reliability value of Cronbach's alpha of 0.839 was obtained. The factorial analysis is viable since a value of 0.757 was found in the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) test, and a significant value was obtained in Bartlett's sphericity test. Conclusions The proposed questionnaire proved to be valid and reliable, and therefore, suitable to evaluate software usability in the Spanish language.

This study addresses the transport of fresh fruit and vegetables from an independent transporter in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Even though the main issue relies on the transport itself, an alternate objective function was proposed to maximize profits of the transporter by considering certain constraints. The main objective of this research is to determine the optimal amount of fruit and vegetables that should be purchased to be transported later to the different destinations to generate the maximum profitability that is possible. The problem is tackled by means of classical methods of problem solving. Moreover, the simplex method employed enables to identify the constraints and determine the optimal solution to the problem that satisfies transport requirements and generates the highest profitability. Finally, results demonstrate that the maximum profit that can be gained is $1,840.00 Mexican pesos during a single trip, satisfying demand of three different businesses.

Advanced manufacturing technologies (AMT) acquisition by maquiladoras (foreign-owned manufacturing companies) is a tendency that allows these companies to maximize their commercial benefits. However, it remains unclear how the AMT implementation impacts on their performance. In addition, this research studies 383 responses to a questionnaire about the AMT implementation in the Mexican maquiladora industry and reports an analysis with four latent variables associating obtained benefits after the AMT implementation—human resources, flexibility, production process, and commercial benefits—where their relationships are evaluated through six hypotheses using a structural equation model (SEM). Finally, the outcomes demonstrated that AMT benefits for human resources have a direct effect on flexibility, production process, and commercial benefits. However, the direct effect from human resources benefits, knowledge, and experience on commercial benefits are acquired through indirect effects, using flexibility and production process as mediator variables.

The present research proposes a structural equation model to integrate four latent variables: managerial commitment, preventive maintenance, total productive maintenance, and productivity benefits. In addition, these variables are related through six research hypotheses that are validated using collected data from 368 surveys administered in the Mexican manufacturing industry. Consequently, the model is evaluated using partial least squares. The results show that managerial commitment is critical to achieve productivity benefits, while preventive maintenance is indispensable to total preventive maintenance. These results may encourage company managers to focus on managerial commitment and implement preventive maintenance programs to guarantee the success of total productive maintenance.

Competitiveness is a well-known aspect that refers to the ability of companies and countries to maintain certain productivity and efficiency advantages in order to reach economic goals and maintain a given market position. The goal of this chapter is to present the concept of competitiveness by briefly explaining its historical evolution and establishing its relationship with the supply chain (SC). Additionally, this chapter will anticipate the difference between competitive advantage and comparative advantage.

This chapter discusses the role of competitiveness in the manufacturing industry considering particular aspects of this industrial sector throughout the history of Mexico. This conceptualization of competitiveness forces us to discuss the main industrial sectors of the country and their importance to the national economy.

This chapter explores the impact of regional aspects on supply chain performance. Some of the aspects to be studied include regional infrastructure, infrastructure and services costs, services, service quality, and the role of the government as regulator. First, we develop simple models associating two latent variables each: one regional aspect and one supply chain performance benefit. Then, we propose more complex models to depict the interactions and effects among regional aspects. Finally, an integrative model is introduced to associate all the regional aspect variables with all the supply chain performance benefit variables.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a technique of nuclear medicine used to obtain metabolic images of the body. PET scanners are used in research, treatment and monitoring of several diseases by providing images of metabolic activity associated with the ailments. However, data produced by PET is heavily corrupted by noise and other sources of errors causing a degradation in the quality of final reconstructed images. In order to improve the image reconstruction process a new reconstruction algorithm which addresses the problem from a variational perspective, is presented in this paper. We proposed to use a modified version of the Total Variation regularization by including a second term in order to deal better with the noise, also we propose to balance both regularizing terms by calculating weighs adapted to the PET images trough the use of anatomical information from another medical modality such as computer tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results on simulated images show that our proposed method is more effective in dealing with the heavy noise and preserving small structures, like possible lesions than the expectation maximization method, commonly used in commercial scanners.

The current paper presents a structural equation model with four variables (Government, Infrastructure, Proximity to market, and supply chain Agility) affecting the Financial performance of a company. Six hypotheses or relationships among variables are proposed, supposing that Government and market Proximity are key elements to achieve a greater Agility in supply chains, considering the regional Infrastructure to determine the impact on Financial performance in manufacturing companies. The model is validated with data from a survey applied to 225 persons in 65 manufacturing companies located in Ciudad Ju&aacute, rez, Chihuahua, Mexico. The model is evaluated using partial least squares, and the findings indicate that there is a direct and positive effect from the Government on regional Infrastructure with a rate of 0.436. When the Government supports the availability of land, energy resources, transportation, telecommunications, mobile telephones, and other services, a positive change is achieved in the Infrastructure and supply chain Agility. Furthermore, the Government also has a direct and positive effect on the market Proximity at a rate of 0.171, consequently, the regional Infrastructure also has an effect on it. Similarly, the market Proximity directly and positively influences the supply chain Agility, as well as a company&rsquo, s Financial performance at a rate of 0.506.

This chapter proposes a series of models to associate Regional Factors with supply chain performance benefits. The relationships between the latent variables are considered as research hypothesis and are validated using data collected from the Mexican export-oriented manufacturing industry. The evaluation results indicate that Regional Factors are essential in supply chain Performance but are also a source of uncertainty for manufacturing industries. In other words, aspects such as infrastructure and government support are important for companies to operate, yet they cannot be controlled inside of the facilities and depend on external forces.

This chapter explores the impact of manufacturing practices on supply chain performance. Four major manufacturing practices are studied: total quality management (TQM), just in time (JIT), machinery and equipment maintenance, and advanced manufacturing technology (AMT). The relationships between these manufacturing practices and supply chain performance benefits are proposed in a series of models. They are later tested and evaluated to determine their validity and statistical significance. Finally, the chapter proposes an integrative model to explore how manufacturing practices are interrelated.

This chapter reviews the topic of global production, with a brief discussion of its historical evolution. We explain the concepts and aspects that have influenced the current production regime and discuss the relationship between the supply chain and the current environment of global competitiveness. Then, we address current supply chain trends that operate in today’s dynamic world economy through global production. Finally, we present examples of some companies that have reached success and have gained a great competitive advantage through an appropriate supply chain management.

This chapter discusses the external factors considered in supply chain performance evaluation in the manufacturing industry. We first provide a conceptualization of these factors and then discuss their background. The fundamental goal of this chapter is to provide an overview of those external elements that impact on supply chain performance and to explain how they are traditionally evaluated. Through its content, this chapter makes reference to the following topics: Supply chain risk, including demand risks, supply risks, and process production risk. Manufacturing practices in the supply chain, especially lean manufacturing practices. Regional factors affecting the supply chain, including the government, services, regional costs, regional infrastructure, quality of life, proximity, and human resources characteristics.

This chapter discusses concepts related to supply chain performance and supply chain performance evaluation. The purpose of this chapter is to explain how current companies seek benefits and competitiveness through supply chain attributes and supply chain performance metrics. Some of these attributes and metrics are classified from an economic perspective, whereas others are addressed from an operational, tactical, or strategic approach to explain qualitative and quantitative aspects of the supply chain. Understanding the notions and implications of supply chain performance and supply chain evaluation is very important when companies aim at improving their competitive levels, especially because performance metric systems provide real-time information on how the supply chain is managed. Similarly, classifying performance into its different categories will allow this chapter to clearly address evaluation methods in the manufacturing industry.

This chapter explores how performance factors and supply chain benefits are interrelated. We particularly emphasize on the attributes used to evaluated performance in a clearly industrial context. First, the chapter discusses some definitions of supply chain performance. Then, performance benefits are explored along with their measurements and role within the industry. It is important to mention that the attributes used in this book to measure performance were adapted from the works of several authors. Moreover, they will be used in subsequent chapters to assess supply chain performance in the manufacturing industry.

This chapter explains the relationship between the supply chain and the export-oriented manufacturing industry. Similarly, we discuss how this relationship has an effect on the ability of companies to remain competitive domestically and internationally. The chapter closes with an overview of the most common supply chain evaluation approaches in the export-oriented manufacturing industry.

As previously mentioned, the goal of this book is to assess the effects of manufacturing practices and risk factors on supply chain performance. This chapter introduces a series of structural equation models to assess the relationships between three types of supply chain risk factors—supply risks, demand risks, production process risks—and supply chain performance indices. The models are measured and tested as described in the methodology chapter.

La presión actual de la competencia global está demandando productos más rápidos, confiables, flexibles y más baratos; por lo tanto, con el fin de mantenerse al día con las demandas de los clientes, las empresas necesitan mejorar continuamente sus sistemas de fabricación y desarrollar nuevas estrategias. La gestión de la cadena de suministro (GCS) es actualmente la táctica más importante que utilizan las empresas modernas para mantener su competitividad. El proceso de selección de proveedores (PSP) desempeña un papel importante en la GCS y ha sido ampliamente estudiado en los últimos años como una herramienta para orientar y ayudar a los investigadores y tomadores de decisiones. La gestión de la cadena de suministro verde (GCSV) surge debido al reciente incremento en la protección del medio ambiente. Entonces, el proceso de selección de proveedores verde (PSPV) se ha convertido en un elemento crítico en la GCSV. El presente manuscrito muestra una revisión de los trabajos publicados en revistas científicas en los últimos 5 años sobre los criterios verdes utilizados en la decisión multicriterio. Además, identifica las técnicas de selección multicriterio (TSM) más utilizadas, revistas, universidades y departamentos académicos, donde este tipo de investigación se está desarrollando.

This paper presents a structural equation model for analyzing the relationship between four latent variables: infrastructure, production processes, transport benefits, and economic benefits within the supply chain for wine from La Rioja, Spain, by incorporating 12 observed variables. The model proposes six hypothesis that were tested using information gathered from 64 surveys completed by managers of several wineries in the region. The WarpPLS v.5® software (Version 5.0, ScriptWarp Systems, Laredo, TX, USA) was used to execute the model and analyze the direct, indirect, and total effects among latent variables. The results show that the control of production processes is a direct source of economic and transport benefits because of its higher explanatory power of those variables. Similarly, infrastructure is a direct source of transport and production benefits, and some of them are given indirectly. In addition, infrastructure does not have a direct effect on economic benefits; however, there were indirect effects given through production process and transport benefits. Infrastructure is a very important variable because of its influence in the final performance, but also because of its high environmental impact. Finally, economic benefits were explained in 43.8%, 19.1% belonging to production process, 21.1% coming from transport benefits, and 3.7% from infrastructure. © 2018 by the authors.

Background In developing countries such as Mexico, the effects of burnout syndrome (BS) are observed in manufacturing industries. However, the relationships among BS, Job Content (JC), and Musculoskeletal Complaints (MC) are scarcely studied within the manufacturing sector, even though senior and middle managers are exposed to highly demanding and mentally exhausting situations. Objectives The objective of this paper is to determine the relationships among the three BS dimensions, MC, and JC among middle and senior managers of the manufacturing industry in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Methods The Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS), the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ), and the Body Map assessment were administered as data collection instruments. The sample included 361 participants from six industries located in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Also, we proposed structural equations models (SEM) to establish the relationships among variables. Results The questionnaires and the model showed acceptable reliability and quality indices. Emotional exhaustion was the most relevant latent variable, having significant effects on MC and on professional efficacy, and significantly contributing to increasing levels of cynicism. On the other hand, the variable social support showed a negative direct impact on Job Demands and Emotional Exhaustion. Conclusions Actions to reduce emotional exhaustion at work include providing a positive and suitable work environment through social support. These strategies help prevent MC and improve professional efficacy, life quality at work, and productivity.

Macroergonomics contributes to competitiveness of manufacturing systems; however, it seems that macroergonomic practices are scarcely implemented in Mexican manufacturing companies. The objective of this article is to determine the relationships between two macroergonomic elements, Organizational Culture and Teamwork, and manufacturing systems’ performance (Manufacturing Processes, Customers, and Organizational Performance). As data collection instrument, we administered the Macro-Ergonomic Compatibility Questionnaire (MCQ) to 188 employees of manufacturing companies located in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. Then, a structural equation model (SEM) was constructed to know and measure direct, indirect, and total effects occurring among latent variables. Findings revealed a good model fit and showed that Organizational Culture and Teamwork have the same direct and positive effects on manufacturing systems’ performance. In conclusion, macroergonomic practices of Organizational Culture and Teamwork contribute to improving performance and competitiveness of manufacturing systems.

Empirical research carried out in many contexts has found that social support is an important element to reduce the effects of burnout. In this chapter, we analyze the relationships between social support and the three dimensions of burnout syndrome (BS) (emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and professional efficacy). The research was carried out in six manufacturing companies from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, and the sample included 361 middle and senior managers from different departments. Two questionnaires were administered in the form of a single survey: The Maslach Burnout Inventory–General Survey and the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ). The former analyzed the three burnout dimensions, whereas the latter studied social support. Relationships between latent variables were analyzed using the structural equation modeling technique (SEM). Results showed a statistically direct relationship between social support and the three burnout dimensions. On one hand, the effects of social support on emotional exhaustion and cynicism are negative. That is, both dimensions diminish when workers perceive enough support from their supervisors and coworkers. On the other hand, the relationship between social support and professional efficacy is positive, meaning that efficiency at work increases when workers perceive enough support from their work team. As conclusions, manufacturing companies must invest in techniques, such as engagement, empowerment, resilience, and social support, to ensure employee motivation and integration. Such strategies impact the wellbeing of companies by reducing burnout effects.

The following research, presents a case study of cognitive analyses of the tasks made by radiology technicians in a Mexican hospital. These professionals attend patients with different health conditions; likewise, they need to prepare the x-ray machine and position the patient correctly. For this reason, this study will determine the mental workload assessment and identify human errors of the procedure of taking a plain abdominal radiography. As results, a hierarchical task analysis diagram is presented, NASA TLX method found highest scores on physical and temporary demands. Recurrent human errors were the incorrect voltage and amperage adjustment and the incorrect identification of the patient using TAFEI method. Action for human error prevention is recommended. In addition, some digital support may be required to input patient’s data and provide additional training sessions on those tasks with the greater mental workload and human error probability.

This paper proposes a structural equation model to assess the effects of some risk factors in the supply chain performance. The model includes demand, suppliers and processes as risk factors of a case study in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, México. The model, assessed following a structural equation modeling methodology (using AMOS 16.0), indicated that the demand (considered as an independent factor) has a direct positive relationship with suppliers, politics, and manufacturing factors. As a consequence the suppliers have an effect on the flexibility factor. The flexibility has a direct positive relationship with the customer service factor. The results also indicate that the infrastructure factor does not have any relationship with the others assessed factors. The study has important implications for researches and practitioners in the manufacturing sector. It allows evaluating risk activities that have negative effects on the performance of supply chain in manufacturing exports companies in México.

Mexican maquiladoras (Mexican export processing plants) are focused on exportation activities, and have several processes derived from policies related to procurement and inventory that are established by each company. This paper analyzed 17 activities related to supply chain (SC) policies and grouped them into four independent latent variables: (1) traditional logistics, (2) international logistics, (3) supply, and (4) inventories. Moreover, the impact of these policies was analyzed on ten benefits and was eventually grouped into three dependent latent variables. In order to analyze the relationship among these latent variables and to generate a measurement model, a survey was conducted in 63 exportation Mexican maquiladoras located in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. Twelve hypotheses about the relationships among latent variables were then generated in order to determine the causal relationships. Finally, the hypotheses were integrated in a structural equation model (SEM) and tested using partial least squares technique that is integrated in WarpPLS® software. The obtained results indicated that traditional logistics policies have a direct impact on the inventory, international logistics, and supply variables. This impact allows for greater efficiency in the supply chain, better economic performance, and more satisfied customers.

Este trabajo presenta un análisis de los efectos que tienen la infraestructura regional y los servicios en el desempeño de la cadena de suministro en empresas manufactureras de Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México. Para colectar la información se aplicaron cuestionarios a 120 empresas, y para obtener un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales explicativo de los efectos se utilizó la metodología de mínimos cuadrados parciales usando WarpPLS 3.0. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que cuando existe buen nivel en la infraestructura regional se tienen impactos positivos sobre los servicios logísticos; y éstos a su vez impactan en los costos. Asimismo, la infraestructura regional tiene impactos positivos sobre el tiempo de entrega de los productos. Con relación al nivel de infraestructura (transporte, telecomunicaciones, internet) y de servicios (aéreos, terrestres, financieros, legales) en Ciudad Juárez, los encuestados lo consideran bueno por lo que las entregas de producto han sido completas y a tiempo en los últimos 3 años. In this paper appears an analysis of the effects of regional infrastructure and the services in the supply chains performance in manufacturing companies collated in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. To collect the information, 120 surveys were applied to companies, and to obtain a causal with structural equation modelling to explain those effects, a methodology of partial least squares was used with WarpPls 3.0®. The results indicate that a good level in the regional infrastructure has a positive impact on logistics services, and as a consequence in the costs. Also, the regional infrastructure has a positive impact on time delivery of products. Regarding the level of infrastructure (transport, telecommunications, and internet) and services (air, land, financial, legal) in Ciudad Juarez, respondents are considering that it is good, so the product deliveries are complete on time in the past 3 years.

Six Sigma (SS) is a production philosophy focused on human experiences and knowledge, aimed to minimize defects of products and services. The appropriate implementation of SS requires an education process, reliable data analysis, efficient didactic material, statistical techniques and human knowledge to improve communication and operational benefits. In this article, we present a structural equation model integrating those aspects as latent variables and relating them with ten hypotheses. Data for hypothesis validation were gathered among 301 manufacturing companies, and assessed using partial least squares (PLS) to estimate direct, indirect, and total effects. As results, we found that access to reliable information, trusted analysis and knowledgeable management are crucial for SS implementation at the problem definition stage. Likewise, to execute and control SS projects, it is important to be trained in statistical techniques through clear didactic materials. © 2017 by the authors.

The evaluation and selection process of agricultural technology traditionally is focused on economic aspects, delegating to third parties and ignoring several attributes in the analysis. This article presents a multicriteria model that integrates the TOPSIS technique, based on a similarity index to an ideal alternative performed by a decision group, which integrates simultaneously several attributes in the analysis and having different preference levels, thus the farmers can carry out the evaluation process by themselves. The model is validated through a case study applied to the selection of an agricultural tractor, which is evaluated by four members of an agricultural cooperative, including two types of attributes. On the one hand, tangible attributes: initial cost, maintenance cost and engine power. On the other hand, intangible attributes: after-sales service and maintainability. Currently, the model is being integrated in a software to facilitate applications by farmers, avoiding assigning this task to third parties.

This paper proposes the development of an expert system for ergonomic compatibility assessment on the selection of Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT). Actual models for AMT assessment neglect Human Factors and Ergonomic (HFE) attributes and present deficiencies such as high time consumption and complexity. This approach proposes a novel axiomatic design methodology under fuzzy environment including two stages: the generation of fuzzy If-Then rules using Mamdani’s fuzzy inference system and the development of the system by mean of experts’ opinions. A numerical example is presented for the selection of three CNC milling machines using the Weighted Ergonomic Incompatibility Content (WEIC). The expert system leads to the selection of the best alternative containing the minimum WEIC, as the one that better satisfies ergonomic requirements. Development and application of the system may help provide an easier, faster, single or group ergonomic assessment on AMT selection by promoting safer and more ergonomic workplaces in manufacturing companies.

Nowadays, Single Minute Exchange of Dies (SMED) has achieved great industrial popularity. However, it remains unclear to what extent and how SMED implementation at its different stages benefits industries. To address this gap, this research proposes a structural equation model to quantitatively measure SMED effects. The model has six hypotheses that link SMED stages and benefits. To statistically validate such hypotheses, a questionnaire was administered to 373 Mexican maquiladoras located in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua. Results show that before starting SMED implementation process, companies must be appropriately familiarized with their production process. Mainly, manufacturing companies in Ciudad Juárez need to focus their efforts on the SMED planning stage (Step 1) in order to identify important internal production activities and turn them into external activities. In fact, SMED planning stage has direct and indirect effects on subsequent stages and SMED benefits. © 2016 by the author.

The evaluation and performance measurement in supply chain (SC) is a key element in modern business competitiveness and it is an activity extremely important for improve its process, practices and common goals. The purpose of this chapter is to present a statistical analysis based in a literature review related to supply chain tendencies that includes 95 chapters published from January 2000 to June 2012. This research identifies the techniques and methodologies used in the supply chain performance evaluation process, and attributes most commonly evaluated as well as the industrial sector and regions where the solutions were applied, and finally the journals where they were published. The results show that multivariate analysis is the most important and frequent methodology for study supply chain performance, looking to find variables relations and association among them. Also, the finds indicate that most evaluated attributes in supply chain performance are the delivery, information flow and processes activities. The most important research groups that are investigating this area are located in Unites States of America, Taiwan and United Kingdom.