Engineering management for high-end equipment intelligent manufacturing

The high-end equipment intelligent manufacturing (HEIM) industry is of strategic importance to national and economic security. Engineering management (EM) for HEIM is a complex, innovative process that integrates natural science, technology, management science, social science, and the human spirit. New-generation information technology (IT), including the internet, cloud computing, big data, and artificial intelligence, have made a remarkable influence on HEIM and its engineering management activities, such as product system construction, product life cycle management, manufacturing resources organization, manufacturing model innovation, and reconstruction of the enterprise ecosystem. Engineering management for HEIM is a key topic at the frontier of international academic research. This study systematically reviews the current research on issues pertaining to engineering management for HEIM under the new-generation IT environment. These issues include cross-lifecycle management, network collaboration management, task integration management of innovative development, operation optimization of smart factories, quality and reliability management, information management, and intelligent decision making. The challenges presented by these issues and potential research opportunities are also summarized and discussed.     

Marketing/Manufacturing Trade-Offs in Product Line Management

A critical decision facing firms across industries is the selection of a mix of products to offer in the marketplace. Both in practice and in the academic literature, the product line design problem has typically been considered from a marketing perspective, with a focus on how alternative sets of products interact and compete in the marketplace. The operational implications of product line decisions have been largely ignored, even while the importance and complexity of interactions among products in the manufacturing environment increase with broadening product lines. Furthermore, consideration of manufacturing synergies among products in product line design is increasingly beneficial given efforts in many industries to improve co-ordination of manufacturing activities across products. In this work we examine the benefits of integrating marketing implications of product mix with more detailed manufacturing cost implications. Traditional product line models are extended to capture both individual product costs and relevant cost interactions among products. The relevant marketing and manufacturing elements are considered in a mathematical programming formulation that identifies a profit maximizing mix of products. The resulting normative model of the product line design problem is used to generate insights into important cross-functional issues in product line management. Specifically, we examine the impact of alternative manufacturing environment characteristics on the composition of the optimal product line.     

面向水泥装备制造过程的质量信息管理方法

为了解决水泥装备制造企业质量信息存储与检索难的问题,提出了一种新的质量信息管理方法：采用质量信息树的方法来描述制造过程、产品结构以及质量信息间的关系;提出质量信息编码系统来规范并存储质量信息;提出了XML缓存技术实现质量信息的检索。该方法应用在了辅料悬臂堆料机制造过程中的质量信息管理中,实例表明该方法能够解决水泥装备制造过程中的质量信息管理问题。     

复杂系统（产品）集成制造工程的技术研究与应用

基于现代集成制造的理念、方法、技术、工具,结合实践,提出并研究了一种能改善复杂产品研发时间（T）、质量（Q）、成本（C）、服务（S）的系统工程——称为“复杂系统（产品）集成制造工程”（简称COSIME）。阐述了它的内涵、系统框架和技术体系,并给出了其中具有特点的6类关键技术的阶段研究成果,包括基于人制管理及有关先进制造模式的复杂产品集成制造系统的经营管理模式;基于项目管理理念的异地企业间并行工程方法与技术;复杂产品虚拟样机工程方法与技术;基于分布仿真技术的复杂产品概念设计与性能评估系统;复杂产品质量控制与     

Digital twin of composite assembly manufacturing process

Industry is facing the management of geometrical deviations along the entire lifecycle of the product. It is helped by digital twin tools that may minimise the geometrical deviations from nominal of products. The new digital twin tools allow to manage geometrical variations through a set of steps fully related by modern information and communication technologies that establish a continuous and unambiguous flow of information among the different steps of this digital process along the whole product lifecycle. They are based on data coming from manufacturing, assembly and inspection. The available large data sets from manufacturing and inspection allow to develop new and more accurate simulation models that realistically consider form deviations and process signature, i.e. the pattern left by the manufacturing process on the produced part surfaces. The present work introduces a digital twin tool to support the lightweight design of assemblies in composite material. It establishes a continuous and unambiguous flow of variation information from the part design to assembly, passing through manufacturing by considering the manufacturing signature. It was applied to a case study and the obtained results agree with the experimental ones.     

A conceptual view on data-model driven reverse engineering

The effectiveness of process models is dependent on the data sharing capability of the CAE system that supports the design process. This assertion is considered in the context of design using Reverse Engineering (RE) techniques, where RE is considered to be a particular type of redesign. Two main categories of information are considered: product-related information, captured in product models, and details of manufacturing capabilities, provided from manufacturing models. This paper reports on conceptual work, which underpins the research and also presents details of a case study, carried out in an industrial context to verify the concepts.     

Empirical relationships between some manufacturing practices and performance

Intense global competition, rapid technological changes, advances in manufacturing and information technology and discerning customers are forcing manufacturers to adopt manufacturing practices and competitive priorities that enable them to deliver high quality products in a short period of time. Identifying manufacturers’ competitive priorities and effective manufacturing practices has long been considered one of the key elements in manufacturing strategy research. This paper presents the results of a study conducted to identify some of the effective manufacturing practices that have a significant influence on manufacturing performance. This study also identifies the main competitive objectives of manufacturing industries that participated in the study. The results reported in this paper are based on data collected from a survey using a standard questionnaire administered to 1000 manufacturers in Australia. Evidence indicates that product quality and reliability are the main competitive factors for manufacturers and price has become surprisingly a relatively less important factor. Results show that simultaneous pursuit of advanced quality practices can neutralize the potential negative impacts of manufacturing difficulties and significantly improve product quality and manufacturing performance. Failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) is shown to be an important tool for improving product quality and on time delivery performance. FMEA practice driven by the intention to improve customer satisfaction is more effective than that practised to fulfil customer requirements. Effective supplier relationships are shown to contribute positively to the manufacturing performance. The results also suggest that maintaining a supplier rating system and product data management and regularly updating them with field failure and warranty data are important manufacturing practices.     

A conceptual framework for the ubiquitous factory

To cope with today's industrial demands requiring (1) coverage of the whole product life cycle, (2) environmentally conscious manufacturing, (3) competitive sustainability manufacturing, etc., a new manufacturing paradigm should be developed. In this paper, we develop a conceptual framework for a new paradigm called ubiquitous factory (u-Factory) by applying ubiquitous computing technology to the manufacturing system. The u-Factory is based on our previously developed paradigm, called UbiDMR [1], meaning product design, manufacturing, and recycling via ubiquitous computing technology. The essence of u-Factory can be represented by three key phrases: (1) information transparency, (2) autonomous control, and (3) sustainable manufacturing. This paper comprises two parts. In the first part, we show the derivation procedure for the framework of the u-Factory using problem analysis of the current manufacturing system, design consideration and derivation of the architecture for the ubiquitous factory. In the second part, to demonstrate the validity and impact of the derived architecture, we develop the TO-BE model for manufacturing resource management. This is followed by a comparison with the AS-IS model.     

Methods for the capture of manufacture best practice in product lifecycle management

The capture of manufacturing best practice knowledge in product lifecycle management systems has significant potential to improve the quality of design decisions and minimise manufacturing problems during new product development. However, providing a reusable source of manufacturing best practice is difficult due to the complexity of the viewpoint relationships between products and the manufacturing processes and resources used to produce them. This paper discusses how best to organise manufacturing best practice knowledge, the relationships between elements of this knowledge plus their relationship to product information. The paper also explores the application of UML-2 as a system design tool which can model these relationships and hence support the reuse of system design models over time. The paper identifies a set of part family and feature libraries and, most significantly, the relationships between them, as a means of capturing best practice manufacturing knowledge and illustrates how these can be linked to manufacturing resource models and product information. Design for manufacture and machining best practice views are used in the paper to illustrate the concepts developed. An experimental knowledge based system has been developed and results generated using a power transmission shaft example.     

Content and Trends in Engineering Management Literature

Abstract

Analysis investigating subject content and trends in engineering management literature from 1993 to 2000 is reported. 479 articles from Engineering Management Journal and IEEE Transactions in Engineering Management were analyzed using content analysis of article subject classifications. Results indicate a consistent effort by engineering management researchers to apply technical skills in the larger context of answering the leadership and management questions facing technical organizations today. The preponderance of engineering management research in the manufacturing and services industry sectors was confirmed. These trends were identified: decreasing research attention in the subject of strategic planning; increasing research attention in the services industrial sector; and increase in the subject of innovation. Varying emphasis on the subject of total quality/quality assurance was seen throughout the time period of this research.     

Dissertation Review

Abstract:

This research article provides valuable insights for practicing engineering managers on improving a firm's performance by applying a knowledge management (KM) based approach to quality management (QM). Traditional quality management systems do not provide sufficient knowledge management and knowledge creation opportunities for manufacturing firms to stay competitive in today's fast paced, unpredictable, complex, and rapidly changing global business environment. The world's body of knowledge does not include a quality management strategy where KM is integrated in QM, and where the effectiveness of such a KM/QM strategy is determined through quantitative empirical research over a defined time frame, thus omitting important performance improvement opportunities for manufacturing firms. The objective in addressing this research topic is to present a KM/QM strategy and to demonstrate its effectiveness. Engineering management areas, such as knowledge management and quality management, are leveraged throughout this research. Systems engineering aspects, such as operational efficiency improvement and system performance, are leveraged by integrating knowledge management and quality management to form an enhanced quality management system. The research demonstrates that a company with a KM/QM strategy is more effective than a company which does not have a KM/QM strategy, that the implementation of a KM/QM strategy contributes to product quality improvements over KM/QM strategy application time, and presents a framework that can be applied by practicing engineering managers.     

面向网络联盟的全球产品配置管理

阐述了网络化制造模式的特点，在分析网络化制造环境下产品配置的新特点的基础上，提出面向网络联盟的全球产品配置管理思路，支持基于知识的快速创新和“边缘创新”．通过建立全球配置系统结构和对产品配置流程的分析，为相应的软件开发可行性进行了论证。     

Process planning for sheet metal parts based on information management

Design and manufacturing processes and their mutual interaction are reflected by the Manufacturing Engineering Reference Model. Information management, as the kernel of this reference model, encompasses structures that reflect the information. The three information structures that are discerned refer to products, resources and orders respectively. Originating from the demand for Concurrent Engineering, augmented effort is invested in the integration of the different processes applied in the manufacturing cycle of products. This paper discusses the integration of design and process planning-which is one of the main topics in Concurrent Engineering-along with the demand for Design for Manufacturing. Emphasis is on the application of production method knowledge and design support, especially for sheet metal parts.     

Motion generation and virtual simulation in a digital environment

The growing complexity in product design and manufacturing processes has made virtual prototyping an important new approach that enhances products and process development. Considering the ergonomic issues evident in product lifecycles, digital human modelling (DHM) is adopted for virtual simulation and proactive evaluation. A motion generation from semantics (MGS) system is proposed in this research. The MGS system features include virtual prototyping, natural language instruction, a method time measurement (MTM) translator and motion generator. The system was implemented using product lifecycle management (PLM) software and validated in an automotive manufacturing company. The practice of intuitively generating manual operations and conducting virtual simulations enables the system planners to quickly respond to manufacturing process changes and recursively improve the tooling and process design flexibility and efficiency.     

Agile manufacturing: Enablers and an implementation framework

Tougher competitive situations have led to increasing attention being paid to customer satisfaction, of which timely and customized services are the key concepts. As the product life cycle becomes shortened, high product quality becomes necessary for survival. Markets become highly diversified and global, and continuous and unexpected change become the key factors for success. The need for a method of rapidly and cost-effectively developing products, production facilities and supporting software, including design, process planning and shop floor control system has led to the concept of agile manufacturing. Agile manufacturing can be defined as the capability to survive and prosper in a competitive environment of continuous and unpredictable change by reacting quickly and effectively to changing markets, driven by customer-designed products and services. This article details the key concepts and enablers of agile manufacturing. The key enablers of agile manufacturing include: (i) virtual enterprise formation tools/metrics; (ii) physically distributed manufacturing architecture and teams; (iii) rapid partnership formation tools/metrics; (iv) concurrent engineering; (v) integrated product/production/business information system; (vi) rapid prototyping tools; and (vii) electronic commerce. A conceptual framework for the development of an agile manufacturing system and future research directions are presented in this paper. This framework takes into account the customization and system integration with the help of business process redesign, legal issues, concurrent engineering, computer-integrated manufacturing, cost management, total quality management and information technology.     

绿色制造和并行工程的一种集成模式

通过对绿色制造和并行工程２种现代制造模式的分析和比较,提出把绿色制造的思想集成在并行设计系统中的设想,从而建立起一种绿色制造和并行工程的集成模式－嵌套式绿色并行工程,并对该模式下的设计框架和产品需求的拓扑结构进行了探讨。     

我国大型公立医院走IE管理之路的思考

中国大型公立医院所面临的服务低效,患者满意度低及经济效益差的现状要求医院必须实施工业工程管理.工业工程中的关键技术如人因学,业务流程重组,6西格玛管理,信息共享平台,动作研究及约束理论等能够改善就医环境、优化医疗服务、提升流程品质,实现实时管理等.目前国内部分大型公立医院已开始实践工业工程管理,如实施医疗一卡通,建立静脉注射配置中心,实现临床路径标准化和合理的设施规划与布置.这些举措在一定程度上提高了服务质量、效率及经济效益.但由于体制和大环境原因,工业工程管理的实施还是面临阻力,需要在医疗行业引入工业工程人才去解决.     

Development of an automated process planning and production activity control system for the manufacturing of engineered work surfaces

This paper describes the design and implementation of an Automated Process Planning and Production Activity Control system for a make-to-order business and presents a formal methodology for the development of integrated manufacturing systems. The research is based on concepts developed in a project undertaken in a job shop Case Study facility, producing precision-engineered work surfaces. Industry today is facing numerous challenges on many fronts demanding improved availability and dissemination of processing information. On the demand side there is increased pressure on the manufacturer to meet deadlines and provide the customer with a prompt, efficient service, with accurate lead-time information, and a product of the utmost quality, on time. On the supply side there is increasing competition, variety in the market, a diverse product range, varying processing times and extremely short lead times. The nature of today's business world means that real-time information is a requirement and not an extra. This paper documents the design, structure and implementation of an Automated Process Planning system, which completely automates and integrates Order Entry stages from order receipt to order release. The developed system, namely the Manufacturing Optimization Information System, or MOIS, relays information to and from shop floor operators via a Production Activity Control system at each of the manufacturing stations. The MOIS is part of ongoing research endeavouring to integrate order processing, Process Planning and production control activities with a combined dynamic scheduling and material optimization module in a holistic manufacturing optimization system. The two specific aims of this paper are very clear; first, to bridge the theory-practice gap between theoretical concepts and real industrial issues surrounding Process Planning and Production Control. Secondly, to outline the design, structure and evolution of an integrated Automatic Process Planning and Production Activity Control system, installed in a make-to-order enterprise.     

Knowledge elicitation for risk mapping in concurrent engineering projects

Concurrent Engineering aims to incorporate the overlapping of processes in order to reduce its time-to-market and thereby sustain the existence of organizations in increasingly competitive times. Although faster product design, development, and delivery are the intended outcomes of concurrent engineering, one of the undesirable by-products is an increase in risks as a consequence of uncertainties between interdependent processes. Hence, the risks need to be identified, assessed, and mitigated together with concurrent engineering considerations for the elimination of the ‘domino-effect’ within risk management. This paper concentrates primarily on knowledge elicitation techniques that were used to provide information to the Intelligent Risk Mapping and Assessment System (IRMAS?) to identify, prioritise, analyse, and assist project managers to manage perceived sources of CE risks. Techniques such as expert interviews, brainstorming, the Delphi technique, and the analogy process are discussed in relation to compiling the knowledge used for this expert system. A total of 589 risk items were identified for different project types, and information on 4372 items and 136 lessons learned were collected from experts at HdH. The core of the research is a reasoning methodology used for Knowledge Elicitation of a Risk Mapping and Assessment System which will not only support the decision-making process of the user but also aid the knowledge retrieval, storage, sharing, and updating process of manufacturing organizations. This research provides a systematic engineering approach to risk management of concurrent product and process development.     

Computational modelling of manufacturing choice complexity in a mixed-model assembly line

Manufacturing systems have evolved to adopt a mixed-model assembly line enabling the production of high product variety. Although the mixed-model assembly system with semi-automation (i.e. human involvement) can offer a wide range of advantages, the system becomes very complex as variety increases. Further, while the complexity from different options can worsen the system performance, there is a lack of quantifiable models for manufacturing complexity in the literature. Thus, in this paper, we propose a novel method to quantify manufacturing choice complexity for the effective management of semi-automated systems in a mixed-model assembly line. Based on the concept of information entropy, our model considers both the options mix and the similarities between options. The proposed model, along with an illustrative case study, not only serves as a tool to quantitatively assess the impact of choice complexity on total system performance, but also provides an insight into how complexity can be mitigated without affecting the overall manufacturing throughput.