What relevance does something as abstract as a "science of manufacturing" have to manufacturing management?

Science of manufacturing is an interdisciplinary field of study that combines principles from engineering, economics, management, and other disciplines to better understand and optimize manufacturing processes. It involves applying scientific knowledge, tools, and techniques to improve the efficiency, productivity, and quality of products produced in a manufacturing setting.

Manufacturing management encompasses various aspects, such as production planning, inventory control, quality assurance, and workforce management. The principles of the science of manufacturing can be applied to these aspects by using scientific tools and methodologies, like operations research, data analytics, and quality management techniques. These tools allow managers to better understand the relationships and dependencies between different factors and variables in the manufacturing process, enabling them to make well-informed decisions.

Applying the principles of the science of manufacturing to manufacturing management has several key benefits: 1. Improved efficiency: By optimizing processes and understanding the factors that impact productivity, managers can identify areas where resources can be better allocated or where processes can be streamlined, ultimately increasing efficiency. 2. Cost reduction: Through improved efficiency and process optimization, costs can be minimized, leading to higher profitability. 3. Quality improvement: The science of manufacturing focuses not only on the efficiency of production but also on the quality of the end product. By using scientific methods to identify and eliminate sources of defects or variability, companies can produce higher-quality products. 4. Empirically-based decision making: By relying on data and scientific methodology, managers can make better, more informed decisions based on objective information rather than relying on intuition or subjective judgment. 5. Continuous improvement: The application of the science of manufacturing fosters a culture of continuous improvement, as companies constantly measure, analyze, and optimize their processes in order to stay competitive within their industry. Through the application of the science of manufacturing, manufacturing management can optimize processes, reduce costs, improve product quality, and make empirically-based decisions, all leading to increased overall efficiency and competitiveness within the industry.