Study on Group Technology Efficiency Gains for Solid Wood Seating Furniture

Abstract

Group Technology (GT) a concept that started in the 1920s to reduce transportation by standardising products in machine manufacturers is used here in the production technology of manufacturing furniture. The similarity in structural shape and technology of parts are classified arranging product parts into groups in order to organise and manage multiple varieties, small and medium-sized batches. This article aims to resolve the polarity between the demand for mass production of solid wood chairs & stools and the market demands for small batches and multiple varieties of seating furniture. The study classifies and organises the wooden components according to the managed data. Following analysis the results are used to gain efficiencies of manufacturing by adopting the GT method.