Performance Returns from Aligning Front-End Technologies and Just-in-Time Practices: Empirical Findings from the Brazilian Manufacturing Industry

27 Pages Posted: 11 Jul 2024

See all articles by Mateus do Rego Ferreira Lima

Mateus do Rego Ferreira Lima

Indiana University, Indianapolis

Cintia Wilke Franco

Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS)

Guilherme Brittes Benitez

Pontifical Catholic University of Parana

Date Written: February 28, 2024

Abstract

Purpose-The integration of front-end technologies like automation, process simulation, and augmented reality with Just in Time (JIT) practices can yield unforeseen outcomes in manufacturing due to complex dynamics. This study examines the impact on this integration on the performance of manufacturing firms. Design/methodology/approach-To conduct our investigation, we developed and administered a survey questionnaire among 353 Brazilian manufacturing firms. We utilized a combination of factorial and regression analyses within our final sample, consisting of 262 manufacturing firms. Our objective was to examine the impact of the alignment between front-end technologies and JIT on the operational and economic performance of these manufacturing firms. We adopted complexity theory as our theoretical framework, which recognizes and accommodates the intrinsic unpredictability and uncertainty inherent in complex scenarios such as technology adoption and its interplay with firm culture. Findings-Our findings indicate that JIT influences the use of front-end technologies in both positive and negative directions. Regarding operational performance, JIT has a positive moderation effect on automation and a negative moderation effect on process simulation. Conversely, for economic performance, JIT positively moderates process simulation and negatively moderates automation. Originality-Our study advances complexity theory by elucidating the impacts of integrating front-end technologies with JIT practices within the unique scenario of the Brazilian manufacturing industry. Practical implications-We provide empirical evidence for managers to carefully assess the compatibility of technology adoption strategies with existing operational practices to maximize performance outcomes.

Keywords: Digital Technologies, Just-in-Time, Complexity Theory, Survey, Brazilian Manufacturing Industry

Suggested Citation

do Rego Ferreira Lima, Mateus and Wilke Franco, Cintia and Brittes Benitez, Guilherme, Performance Returns from Aligning Front-End Technologies and Just-in-Time Practices: Empirical Findings from the Brazilian Manufacturing Industry (February 28, 2024). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4887494 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4887494

Mateus Do Rego Ferreira Lima (Contact Author)

Indiana University, Indianapolis ( email )

USA

Cintia Wilke Franco

Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) ( email )

Av. Carlos Gomes 1111
Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 90480-004
Brazil

Guilherme Brittes Benitez

Pontifical Catholic University of Parana ( email )

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