Abstract
Small woodworking companies are an important part of the U.S. furniture manufacturing business, especially when it comes to custom furniture or low-volume runs. Unlike their larger-scale, industrial counterparts, however, small woodworking operations have limited resources, are characterized by higher levels of product variation, and utilize a much greater proportion of manual processes. Therefore, organizing production workflows becomes more complex than in their industrial counterparts. Research into the U.S. furniture manufacturing industry has traditionally focused on large-scale industrial manufacturing, automation, and technological improvements, while generally ignoring the operational constraints faced by small-scale manufacturing operations. This research addresses this void by examining how small woodworking businesses organize production using both theoretical knowledge from manufacturing research and real-world industry experience. This research examined major production stages, including (1) raw materials preparation; (2) machining; (3) assembly; and (4) finishing, as well as how digital technologies such as computer-aided design (CAD), computer numerical control (CNC) systems, etc., improve production workflow efficiencies. Special emphasis was placed on the role of digital technologies in coordinating production processes, ensuring quality, and managing the consistent production of customized products. The results of the research indicate that the effective organization of production processes in small woodworking businesses is dependent upon the implementation of structured workflow management, accurate material flow, and quality control at each step of the production process. In addition, the research provides a practical, process-oriented framework for improving production efficiency and product quality in small-scale furniture manufacturing.
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