An innovation process model for identifying manufacturing paradigms

Increasing changes in an organizational context require establishing an innovation process model for identifying manufacturing paradigms. Although many manufacturing paradigms have been developed since 1970, there is no innovation process model for manufacturing paradigms. In order to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of developing a new manufacturing paradigm, this paper proposes the Manufacturing Paradigm Innovation Model (MPIM), which is composed of the Manufacturing Paradigm Tree (MPT), Innovation Sources for manufacturing paradigms, and the Manufacturing Paradigm Innovation Process Model (MPIPM). MPT can depict the relationships among the objectives and the practices of a manufacturing paradigm. With MPT, the manufacturing paradigm can be understood more effectively and holistically. MPT can help assess the maturity of a manufacturing paradigm and help identify a new manufacturing paradigm. The Innovation Sources can direct innovators to seek new practices when developing the new manufacturing paradigm. MPIPM consists of eight stages to develop the new manufacturing paradigm. MPIPM can be illustrated by examining the history of Toyota Motor Corporation between 1948 and 1963 when lean production was pioneered.