Thomas Friedli
Title
Prof. Dr.
Last Name
Friedli
First name
Thomas
Email
thomas.friedli@unisg.ch
ORCID
Phone
+41 71 224 7261
54 results
Now showing 1 - 10 of 54
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Item type:Publication, From Static To Dynamic Costing: Managing External Volatility and Evaluating Supply Chain Configurations in MTO Manufacturing(2026); ; Manufacturing firms face growing exposure to volatile and uncertain global markets. Particularly in make to-order (MTO) environments involving complex, large-scale machinery and equipment, long project lead times amplify the impact of external cost fluctuations on competitiveness and profitability. To date, limited attention has been given to how firms can systematically integrate dynamic external market factors into early-stage project costing. This study addresses this gap through an in-depth single case within the Swiss mechanical engineering industry. Using a Design Science Research (DSR) approach, a conceptual framework and cost prediction tool were developed to capture the effects of dynamically changing cost factors - such as wages, exchange rates, and material prices - on distinct cost components, including in-house production, external devices, and service activities. The framework was operationalized in a dynamic cost model employing exponential smoothing (Holt-Winters) time-series forecasting based on monthly historical data. The findings demonstrate that exchange-rate fluctuations and regional cost differentials can materially alter projected project margins and reshape the relative attractiveness of alternative production locations and associated supply chain configurations. This study contributes to the literature on MTO costing and adaptive supply chain configuration under uncertainty by showing how external market volatility can be operationalized within early-stage decision processes. For practitioners, this tool provides early cost transparency and supports the evaluation of alternative supply chain configurations and pricing decisions.Type:conference paperJournal:Conference on Production Systems and LogisticsDOI:10.15488/21009 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Towards circular business models in the punching industry: Leveraging smart sensor technology for sustainable manufacturing processes(2025); ; The punching industry (PI) remains largely dependent on unsustainable resource use in its manufacturing process, consuming finite materials. Evolving market needs for increased environmental sustainability in the PI cause punching companies to reevaluate their existing manufacturing processes. Considering this trend, this research explores the prerequisites for transitioning to circular business models (CBMs), a subset of sustainable business models, by using smart sensor technology (SST) supporting a sustainable manufacturing process (SMP). Prior research has shown that using different sensors pertaining punching tools and machines is prevalent. Standard parts in the punching tool itself address these challenges of an imprecise set-up of the punching tool on the punching machine resulting in process improvements and efficiency enhancements. Yet, no similar data-driven punching tool concepts have been installed highlighting the novelty. To address this gap, this study examines how data can be gathered and successfully utilized to support SMP fostering CBMs in the PI based on data-driven punching tools. Mixed methods are applied in a practice-oriented project, involving a Swiss-based manufacturer. The results demonstrate several key drivers supporting SMPs enabled by data-driven punching tools. Future research should involve a larger number of interviews and further field testing to increase maturing SST data-driven punching tools.Type:conference paper - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, The moderating effect of digitalization on manufacturing competitiveness in high-cost countries(2024-07); Type:conference paper - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Thriving Circular Economy Actions in Public and Private Relationships: The Microfoundations of Firms’ Green Behavior(2024); - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Unpacking the transition toward circular business models: A holistic framework of transition drivers(2024); - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Rolling-out company-specific production systems in multinational corporations – a multilateral network perspective(2024-07); ; Company-specific production systems (XPS) have recently seen a surge of attention in industry, due to their potential to yield substantial performance improvements. Their implementation however represents a complex process that needs to be managed thoroughly to avoid potential pitfalls. This exploratory study provides a holistic overview on how to manage the roll-out of XPS in multi-plant networks of multinational corporations (MNCs), adding to the understanding of this phenomenon. Investigating the XPS roll-out in the pharmaceutical industry, this multiple-case study yields two major findings. First, companies roll-out their XPS in a deliberate sequence or create an emerging sequence through pull mechanisms. Second, site resource availability is a key determinant of the deliberate sequence. The study follows the call for more research on XPS from a headquarter perspective and extends current research beyond the bilateral headquarter-site perspective, taking a multilateral network perspective. Finally, it provides practical insights that help XPS managers in defining their roll-out roadmaps.Type:conference paper - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Network Improvement Initiatives: How to Deploy a Network Strategy(2024-07); ; This paper explores how manufacturing firms deploy network strategy by developing network capabilities in international manufacturing networks (IMNs). Drawing from the resource-based view (RBV), network capabilities, and strategic initiatives literature, we analyze 109 strategic iniativies from 11 IMNs, classifiy them into 20 initiatve types, and assess the effort required for implementation. The types range from building new sites to establishing knowledge exchange networks. We identify patterns between capability type, capability gap size, and implementation time. In doing so, this study contributes to the theory of network strategy deployment and generates insights for operations managers to select initiatives effectively.Type:conference paperJournal:In Proceedings of the 31st International Annual EurOMA Conference 2024 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Evolution of Corporate Improvement Programs: a Punctuated Equilibrium Theory Perspective(2024); - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Paving the way towards a circular economy: Lifecycle services to make the transition towards circular business models(2023); ; This book of abstracts summarizes the proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Business Servitization (ICBS 2023). On this edition, the conference places a special emphasis on the focal theme: AI Platforms for Digital Servitization and Solution Delivery.Type:conference paperDOI:10.3926/serv2023 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Conceptual Ecosystems to Support the Development of Sustainable Business Models for a Capital Equipment Manufacturer(2023);