Socio-technical redesign of logistic systems

This paper develops the Control Model (CM) methodology for re-design of manufacturing companies and their logistic systems. The CM methodology aims to design logistic systems for mass customisation and focus on; products and market requirements, material flow, control areas, control principles, supplierand customer-related processes, and information flow. The main design principles are; • to design control areas with decentralised control, and clearly defined responsibilities and rules. • to design a layout that simplifies material flow and enable co-ordination. • to apply differentiated control principles • to replace or supplement centralised generation and collection of controlinformation by flow-orientated information. The design process involves analysis, design and implementation of a Control Model. An example from a Norwegian chair manufacturer illustrates the CM design principles.