Measuring complexity in mixed-model assembly workstations

In an effort to maintain or increase their market share and at the same time prevent costs from escalating, manufacturing organisations are increasingly using their current manufacturing system to produce custom output. As a consequence, the large number of product variants increases significantly the complexity of manufacturing systems, both for the operators as for the support services. This is especially true in automotive industry, where customisation is increasing at a rapid pace. To counter the ensuing loss of productivity, a more fundamental approach to dealing with this complexity in manufacturing processes is required. In order to investigate the impact of complexity on production performance, one must first delineate the concept and then identify as unambiguously as possible highly complex workstations. This article defines complexity at the workstation level and proposes a complexity measure for mixed-model assembly workstations. Based on data from several leading automotive companies from Belgium and Sweden, some statistical models are proposed to characterise workstations complexity. The models are described and their validity and accuracy are discussed.     

三维轻量化技术在装配制造数据管理中的应用

通过研究航空制造企业中装配生产的应用需求,讨论了三维轻量化技术在装配制造数据管理中的应用.在针对企业装配生产的通用性问题上提出了一种基于三维轻量化技术的数据集成管理模式,并在此模式下进行了相关的业务和数据建模.该模式在流程上覆盖了装配制造数据管理的业务,在应用层面上完成了航空制造装配生产数据完整性、一致性和配置性的管理,并最终实现于相关制造执行系统(MM-MES)平台.通过在航空航天制造企业的有效应用,验证了其可行性.     

Integrated eco-design decision-making for sustainable product development

This paper presents an integrated eco-design decision-making (IEDM) methodology that is formed using three stages: life cycle assessment, an eco-design process (Eco-Process) model and an enhanced eco-design quality function deployment process. All product sustainability considerations are conducted within a special eco-design house of quality. This brings together the analysis of factors relating to manufacturing processes, product usage and end-of-life strategy. The concentration of environmental considerations in one place insures that product sustainability is central to any design development and that the implications of change are fully identified and justified. The IEDM methodology utilises of a set of Eco-Process parameters and their associated relationships to allow users with complementary knowledge to enter and access information in a timely and controlled manner. They are then able to contribute their expertise to support decisions with the aim of providing more sustainable products. An application of the approach is presented in the context of a case study considering the redesign of a single-use medical forceps. The materials and production methods used are investigated with a view to quantifying their environmental impact. The resulting IEDM methodology can be seen to be widely and easily applicable.     

Product complexity and design of inspection strategies for assembly manufacturing processes

In the manufacturing field, the assembly process heavily affects product final quality and cost. Specific studies, concerning the causes of the assembly defects, showed that operator errors account for high percentage of the total defects. Also, models linking the assembly complexity with the operator-induced defect rate were developed. Basing on these models, the present paper proposes a new paradigm for designing inspection strategies in case of short-run productions, for which traditional approaches may not be carried out. Specifically, defect generation models are developed to get a priori predictions of the probability of occurrence of defects, which are useful for designing effective inspection procedures. The proposed methodology is applied to a case study concerning the assembly of mechanical components in the manufacturing of hardness testing machines.     

The effect of integrated product development on efficiency and innovation

This study tested the effect of integrated product development (IPD) on the efficiency and innovation displayed in new product development (NPD) projects. IPD refers to the overlap, parallel execution, and concurrent workflow of activities. More than 600 employees from 62 R&D projects in one large hi-tech electronics organisation participated in the study. The degree to which the projects had actual IPD, innovated and worked efficiently were measured using the organisation's data collection system and questionnaires. Analysis was conducted at the project level. Seven regression models, as well as multiple comparison tests, were applied. The findings suggest that IPD is positively associated with efficiency and negatively with innovation. However, the trade-off between efficiency and innovation in NPD projects can be balanced, if the IPD level of implementation is tailored to the NPD project stages. Specifically, to successfully complete an NPD project, the emphasis in early stages must be on innovation so that it can assist teams seeking new ideas. Hence, management should implement a low level of IPD at this point. In later stages efficiency must be emphasised so it assists control, and co-ordination, and consequently, IPD should be implemented intensively.     

Time estimation method for manual assembly using MODAPTS technique in the product design stage

This paper aims to propose an accurate and quick assembly time estimation method using the modular arrangement of predetermined time standards in the product design stage. It describes a classification of 2382 assembly operations that are incurred in manually assembling consumer electronics such as air conditioners, washing machines and refrigerators, and a method of choosing representative motions comprising work elements by examining the frequency distribution of the assembly operation’s motions. It then presents criteria for assigning time values associated with the movement of the representative motions using the design factors employed in design for assembly and the layout factors of an assembly line. A case study then presents the practicality of the method, the statistical results of which indicate that the proposed method would be accurate enough for practical purposes.     

单件产品制造中的时变复杂性控制──面向过程的质量管理方法

根据时变复杂性概念的分析,指出单件产品制造中的典型问题,并由此为协调项目管理及质量管理的各项任务推导出解决办法。介绍了透明地表达实际项目流程、最重要的过程、使用的方法及辅助手段的结构步骤。     

设计管理在新产品开发中的应用

介绍分析了设计管理的有关理论和新产品开发的流程、参与新产品开发的人员及设计师介入新产品开发的程度,重点对设计师与工程师的辩证关系进行了分析,从而对设计师和工程师的管理有了进一步的认识.希望设计管理能在新产品开发中得到更好的应用,从而提高新产品开发的效率和速度,进而提高企业的竞争力.     

Developing new products in a network with efficiency and innovation

When managing a new product development (NPD) problem, a firm needs to consider the cooperation with its strategic partners in a network because surviving independently in the industry is almost impossible. However, due to the large variances among partners in terms of leadership, management, IT infrastructure and organizational cultures, it may lead to poor communication and cooperation and slow responses. A severe impact on the process and outcome of NPD may result. To facilitate buyer–supplier cooperation, suitable knowledge management and product development process management need to be adopted to match the characteristics of the selected NPD mix. In this paper, a supermatrix analytic network process (ANP) model with sensitivity analysis is first developed to select the most appropriate NPD mix. A balanced scorecard (BSC) using ANP with sensitivity analysis is used next to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model in the execution of NPD process.     

基于CORBA和WEB的产品数据管理体系结构研究

 产品数据管理(product data management,PDM)作为产品信息管理集成框架,已成为当前研究开发型企业提高其核心竞争力的一种重要竞争策略.介绍了PDM技术的起源与发展,阐述了PDM的应用功能框架.结合当今软件技术的发展,分析了基于CORBA和WEB技术的PDM/CPC代表性产品Windchill平台的体系结构,指出了传统PDM过渡到CPC的必然发展趋势.