Implementing time-based manufacturing practices in pharmaceutical preparation manufacturers

A double case study applying action research methodology was conducted in two pharmaceutical preparation manufacturers in the Netherlands in order to improve their manufacturing systems by implementing time-based manufacturing (TBM) practices. Following the diagnosis phase, the situation of each Company was analysed and suitable improvement interventions were selected for implementation in the Case Companies. At the end of the action research project, semi-structured interviews were taken in each Company a year later, and the achieved results of the improvement programmes were collected and analysed. This research extends the existing theory of time-based competition and demonstrates that TBM practices apply also in the pharmaceutical preparation manufacturing industry. Furthermore, this study shows how to improve TBM practices and reduce the throughput time by providing a route for improvement and implementation. This study demonstrates the relationship between the throughput time and delivery dependability, which indicates that manufacturers may strive for both manufacturing parameters using the same improvement plan by adopting TBM practices. Adopting TBM is a long journey of many years and needs a continuous improvement infrastructure.

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