Analysis of a factory of the future using an integrated set of software for manufacturing systems modeling

ABSTRACT

Design of a green-field factory, termed a 'factory of the future', proposed by an electrical equipment manufacturer was analyzed using an integrated set of software for manufacturing systems modeling. The analysis involved the following four stages. First, a large data base containing part dimensions and processing conditions was analyzed using a spreadsheet software (Lotus 1-2-3) to generate a modeling data base. Second, a rough-cut analysis of each manufacturing line in the factory was performed utilizing queuing models (MANUPLAN II) to yield information regarding bottleneck stations, work-in-process levels, and part flow times. Third, detailed analysis for the entire factory with emphasis on the effects of job release dates and job scheduling rules was conducted by applying simulation models (SIMAN) which were rapidly created by a code-generation software (SimStarter). Finally, graphical animation of the entire factory was created (CINEMA) providing the company's design project team with a visual aid in understanding the factory they were designing. The analysis procedure, from data base manipulation to graphical animation, was integrated by software linkages. This integration enabled the analysis team to complete their work in a short time frame, and provided valuable feedback to the factory design team. Thus, utilizing this integrated approach is expected to be beneficial to similar manufacturing design and analysis projects.

REFERENCES

• 1: Anderson, K.R., Diehl, G.W., Shimizu, M., and Suri, R., (1988) Integrating spreadsheets, system modeling, and animation for rapid computer-aided design of manufacturing systems: Proceedings of the Sixth National Conference on University Programs in Computer-Aided Engineering, Design and Manufacturing (R.E.Fulton and J.I.Craig, eds), Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, 22-27
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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  J. Computer Applications
  J.1 ADMINISTRATIVE DATA PROCESSING
      Subjects: Manufacturing

Additional Classification:
  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.6 SIMULATION AND MODELING

  J. Computer Applications

General Terms:
Design, Management, Measurement, Performance, Theory