holistic production systems

Holistic production systems (HPS) do not only produce positive effects in large companies - they also have an impact on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), such as improved adherence to delivery dates. However, HPS cannot be copied from large companies to SMEs due to different initial situations and circumstances. The introduction of HPS means a high effort for SMEs. In this paper, an approach is presented on how a bionic principle can make HPS less costly and at the same time more effective for SMEs.

The ideas of lean production for rationalization of the value-added processes, which were intensely discussed during the nineties of the last century, presently undergo a revival. In the course of this development the concept of Holistic Production Systems is praised by industry and science as an effective instrument for realizing a production focussing on added value and eliminating wastefulness. Because of this fact this article deals in-depth with the basics of setup and introduction of Holistic Production Systems. Furthermore the benefit of this concept for learning enterprises will be assessed.