Decision support requirements in flexible manufacturing

Flexible manufacturing systems are being installed by many organizations in an effort to improve productivity. Because efficient operation of these systems is such a complex task, their capacity is often underutilized. The concept of computer-based decision support systems promises to remedy the situation. This paper defines the components of a decision support system which will enable the user to get the maximum benefit from a flexible manufacturing system. The structure of this decision support system parallels the organizational activities involved in running the flexible manufacturing system. This structure should be implemented using appropriate hardware and software components.     

Decision support in computer-integrated manufacturing

This is a survey paper that addresses the issue of decision support in computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM). Since the complexity of the decision making process in manufacturing stems from the multilevel nature of the planning hierarchy, we emphasize the importance of adopting an integrated view of the planning hierarchy. We provide a framework for the development of a DSS for integrated manufacturing control that emphasizes a systems approach. Besides we consider some of the architectural aspects of a DSS in CIM. In particular, the specific architectural aspects of the management of data in CIM have been discussed at length.     

基于Petri网的柔性制造系统调度控制模型

给出了自顶向下构造柔性制造系统(FMS)Petri网模型的方法,提出了随机创建指定数目满足指定条件的测试模型的算法,并给出程序仿真运行的演算规则。在此基础上实现了基于Petri网FMS分析与调度仿真软件平台,该平台可配置性强,容易维护,降低了柔性制造系统方针研究的复杂性。最后给出了该模型实现的模块结构。     

Production decision support system for computerized manufacturing systems

The introduction of Computerized Manufacturing Systems (CMS) into the mid-volume manufacturing industry has been an important new step in the development of automated manufacturing. CMS's are computer-integrated systems which incorporate Direct Numerical Control (DNC) capabilities with automatic material handling to manufacture parts. Due to its complex nature, the task of production control in an CMS cannot rely on human effort alone. It is essential to develop a software package in the form of a Production Decision Support System (PDSS) to assist the production decision maker in operating this complex manufacturing facility.     

CATC — A Computer Aided Tolerance Control system

Computer utilization in manufacturing systems is increasing at a rapid rate. Developments thus far have been disjointed. Much work needs to be done in the area of integrating computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM). Tolerance control is an important component in the integration of CAD and CAM. Selection of design tolerances affects the build-ability of a product. The selection of manufacturing processes and sequence of processes affects process tolerance stacking. Unexamined process tolerance stacking leads to scrap and rework. A computer aided tolerance control (CATC) system is presented in this paper. This system is based on the tolerance chart technique. The CATC system is interactive and uses computer graphics for information display. The system can be used for computer aided process planning (CAPP) and for CAD/CAM integration.     

Role of laser sensor systems in automation and flexible manufacturing

New industries and production plants require a flexible system, which is capable of picking up objects of various shapes, weights, and colors with arbitrary position and orientation. Such a system also needs recognition and guiding sub-systems. The recognition system includes target function for the recognition sub-system and relation between object characteristics and recognition target. The laser sensor system can be used for such object recognition. Wire-based telemetry and control systems can cause many problems in shop floors and factories, and so there has been a strong growth of interest in wireless guidance like vehicles equipped with laser guiding and navigation systems. For the continuous measurements of parameters such as temperature, etc. optical laser sensor technology seems to become more applicable at this stage. This article describes the operational principles and the use of the most advanced laser sensor systems for quantity measurements, guiding, navigation, pattern recognition, and vision systems for inspection purposes. A variety of laser-based sensors, which can be used as sensing devices in manufacturing, and production technology, are described in this study. Adaptive cruise control systems that can be used in automobile industry to monitor distance and speed are described in this report. As a typical example, the principal operation of a laser guided mobile robot using a laser navigation system is also described.     

Technology of the unmanned operation of flexible manufacturing systems

In this paper the hardware structure of a flexible manufacturing system and the information flow for operation of the system are reviewed first. Then the technology required for the unmanned operation of the system, especially monitoring the machining state, control of the geometrical accuracy of a workpiece and monitoring the machine operation are described in detail. Finally the technical and social tasks required for development of a flexible manufacturing system in the future are discussed.     

Recent trends in flexible automated manufacturing

In recent years, an important change in developing and implementing manufacturing systems can be observed in all industrialized countries. Due to intense international competition and the growth of personnel costs, companies are forced to use systems with a higher level of automation. At the same time, an increasing number of product variation—caused by adapting the products to customer requirements—demand more flexibility of machine tools and manufacturing systems.Basic types of computer-controlled flexible automated manufacturing systems will be shown and characterized by their special ranges of application. A planning procedure is presented which includes selecting a suitable systems structure such as; transfer line or flexible manufacturing system or automated manufacturing cell, and for determinating every single machine tool within the system. Examples of several new computer-controlled manufacturing systems which have been planned by the above planning procedure are presented with special regard to the evaluation of the system's economic performance.Finally, some rules are given for measuring the economic performance of automated manufacturing or assembly systems including automation of the handling functions.     

一个用于化工企业的计算机集成基础结构

简介了国家“八五”攻关项目中大型过程工业综合自动化系统集成基础的结构，各分系统的信息交换，以及集成器中的各服务器，该计算成基础结构的永新－沈阳化工股份有限公司运行。     

长沙自来水CIMS应用示范工程的设计与实现

计算机集成制造系统是国家“863”计划自动化领域的主题之一,文中对我国自来水行业第一个CIMS工程-国家863/长沙自来水CIMS应用示范工程(CZ-CIMS)的网络体系结构、支撑结构、数据库管理系统进行了设计,在此基础上,重点讨论了水厂集散控制系统的网络结构、系统组成、功能以及技术特点。CZ-CIMS一期工程已于2000年9月通过了国家科委的验收,取得了较好的经济效益和社会效益。     

智能决策支持平台的柔性体系结构研究

结合战场抢修决策平台项目开发,介绍了决策支持系统体系结构的发展历程,提出了智能决策支持平台应具有运行柔性、结构柔性、界面柔性和系统开放性,建立了6库+1平台的柔性体系结构,并提出了CORBA系统中服务对象开发方法,给出了对象适配器结构模型,并且应用这种方法实现了基于CORBA的智能决策支持平台的柔性体系结构。     

Modelling flexible manufacturing systems using mean-value analysis

Flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) represent an important new development in automated manufacturing of parts with mid-volume demand. In the design and operation of these complex systems, it is useful to have tools that predict their performance under various conditions. This paper describes one such tool called MVAQ, a computer program based on mean-value analysis of queues. Part production rates, machine utilization and average work-in-process sizes are all easily obtained using MVAQ. The reader is advised on when MVAQ should be used for modelling FMSs and how the program can be used. A simple design example is given to illustrate the use of MVAQ. A brief tutorial on the theory behind MVAQ is also included.     

The design of a flexible machining cell for small batch production

This paper discusses the conceptual design of a manufacturing cell for a small batch manufacturer. The cell produces small parts with dimensional tolerances of $\text{±0.005}$ inch (0.13 mm) using a minimum of machining equipment. The proposed cell can run unattended for a moderate period of time (e.g., overnight). The cell design emphasizes near-term technology and uses off-the-shelf items where possible. The design philosophy is to partition the cell components and control programs into modules according to their function. The resulting cell is easily integrated into a larger system and is readily modified or expanded as more sophisticated equipment and techniques become available.     

The evolving factory of the future: Integrating manufacturing and information systems

In recent years there have been rapid developments in both manufacturing and information technologies and their systems. Advances have occured so rapidly that often the results has been “islands” of automation and information subsystems, such as CAD/CAM, robotics, group technology, and office automation. Some recent developments, however, provide capabilities for integrating these “islands” into systems which both improve manufacturing productivity and produce more meaningful management information. Integrated systems seem imminent. Suggestions that could help ensure a smooth evolution toward these systems are made and some conclusions are drawn.     

基于信息技术的CIMS的演化及发展探析

本文通过分析CIMS在信息技术时代的产生及其演化，探讨面向新世纪的制造，首先分析新型制造的特点及其变化，继而介绍新环境下CIMS的变迁及其相关概念的形成，发展及应用，提出科学的管理思想是先进制造技术实现发展平台，最后在综述的基础上进一步展望面向新世纪制造技术发展的走向。     

集成建模环境中建模过程自动理解方法研究

模型的自动构建是集成建模环境中的一个重要功能，构模知识的获取是自动构模中的一个瓶颈问题。提出一种建模过程理解方法，通过这种方法，系统能够对专家构建的模型进行理解，获取相关的构模知识。     

The human element: Its impact on the productivity of advanced batch manufacturing systems

Introducing highly automated machinery combining direct numerical control capabilities with automated material handling could potentially revolutionize batch production. However, experience suggests that projected uptime or utilization is not being achieved. Increased attention must be paid to employee satisfaction, motivation, incentive programs, and work group design.     

High level planning and control: An IDEF0 analysis for airframe manufacture

This paper presents an overview of a high level planning and control system (HLPCS) designed to permit CAD/CAM integration of the manufacturing processes of a generic airframe manufacturing facility. This analysis was performed in part under the direction of the United State Air Force Integrated Computer Aided Manufacturing Program (project priority 6104). The analysis was conducted through the design/communication tool of IDEF₀ (ICAM definition language). This paper will therefore rely heavily on discussions utilizing IDEF₀. The concepts of the HLPCS will be discussed, the aspects of the system enhancements that encourage integration will be highlighted, and conclusions regarding system improvements will be identified.     

生产成本管理智能决策支持系统生成器的开发研究

文章根据生产成本管理特点,对生产成本管理智能决策支持系统生成器的开发问题进行了探讨,论述了系统总体设计和系统实现的关键技术。     

PC-based hierarchical manufacturing cell control

Robots in the industrial factory plant build the backbone for CIM, which is outlined to be the factory automation strategy of the future. In this paper a hierarchical manufacturing cell control system for robotic work cells is described. This approach is based on low-cost personal computer hardware and consists of two different control systems, one for the robot control tasks and another for the work cell control tasks. The underlying concept is based on a strategic architectural model for hierarchical manufacturing control, where it focuses on the process sequence coordination and the process control in the bottom hierarchical layers.