Nortel Redefines Factory Information Technology: An OR-Driven Approach

Paul A. Brinkley, David Stepto, Kristopher R. Haag, John Folger, Kui Wang, Kuanlian Liou and W. David Carr
Additional contact information
Paul A. Brinkley: Northern Telecom, Wireless Networks Division, PO Box 13010, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
David Stepto: Northern Telecom, Wireless Networks Division, PO Box 13010, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
Kristopher R. Haag: Northern Telecom, Wireless Networks Division, PO Box 13010, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
John Folger: Northern Telecom, Wireless Networks Division, PO Box 13010, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
Kui Wang: Northern Telecom, Wireless Networks Division, PO Box 13010, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
Kuanlian Liou: Northern Telecom, Wireless Networks Division, PO Box 13010, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
W. David Carr: Northern Telecom, Wireless Networks Division, PO Box 13010, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709

Interfaces, 1998, vol. 28, issue 1, 37-52

Abstract: Nortel recruited a team of operations researchers and engineers to develop and implement an enterprise information system for Nortel's new PCS1900-cellular-equipment manufacturing operation. This system provides online access to quality, inventory, and cycle-time measurements, as well as linked analysis tools that provide real-time decision support. Production workers, managers, and engineers can access these tools through the Nortel intranet using Netscape. Inexpensive access to current factory information eliminated the costly delays formerly experienced gathering, analyzing, and transferring data. The OR specialists developed and implemented the network and decision-support system in less than one year. This marked a major shift from traditional shop-floor systems deployment within Nortel and within the industry in general and demonstrates an opportunity for OR to assume a leadership role in systems implementation in manufacturing operations.

Keywords: computers/computer science; system design/operation; industries; computer/electronic (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 1998
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