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INTERACTION OF DEPARTMENTS

V. Ryan © 2002 - 2009

 

The diagram below shows how the departments at a typical manufacturing company interact with each other during production. The notes below the diagram explains how the interaction between the different departments actually takes place.

 

 

 

 

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT:

The product (gears in this case) are developed by these three departments. The researchers gather information on new and improved materials that can be machined. Then, the new gear system is developed using complex engineers software such as ‘AutoCAD’. The gears are tested on the computer system to see if they work. The designers take the findings from the research and development stage and fit the new gear system to a variety of vehicles. All three departments work very closely together and meet at least on a weekly basis. Sometimes they work in teams made up of researchers, development managers and designers.
 

PRODUCTION:

Once a prototype gear system has been produced it is tested rigorously and the design specification is passed on to the production line. The Manufacturing Manager takes over and plans mass production. He/she works closely with a number of junior managers who plan each stage of manufacture, to the smallest detail (Section Managers). It is essential that the managers of each section of production meet regularly to solve problems and suggest improvements to the manufacturing operation.
The Manufacturing Manager has the ultimate responsibility and he/she meets section managers twice a day for updates.
Quality control is checked at all stages and any faults/errors can usually be traced back to the various sections of the production line.
The Manufacturing Manager will suggest improvements in design and production, through meetings with research and development managers.
 

MARKETING:

Customers requirements are listened to at all times. Products are only developed if market research shows there is a need for them.
After a new product has been developed and manufactured market researchers follow the product through its ‘life cycle’ continually asking for customer information. In this way information can be fed back to Research and Development & Production Line Managers. Therefore, the product can be improved.
 

 

 
 
Draw a diagram that represents the interaction of departments for the company you visited. Add detailed notes explaining the nature of the interaction.
 

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