Solutions to Industrial Engineering problems using integrated software environments

The development of word processing systems and the spreadsheet environment marked the beginning of the professional computing movement. For the first time, programs were available that were both highly functional and highly usable, even by non-computer people. The next group of “hot” programs in the business market were “integrated” packages providing a combination of word processing, spreadsheet, database, graphics, and telecommunications. Unfortunately, these integrated packages have not displaced such single purpose programs as Lotus 1-2-3, dBase and WordPerfect as the dominant forces in desktop computing. Integrated packages are generally perceived as complex, cumbersome, and difficult to master. An important point to note, however, is that high proficiency is not necessary; successful users of commercial software seldom know or use more that 40% of a programs functionality.

This paper addresses the use of integrated software packages to solve Industrial Engineering problems. More specifically, examples are presented demonstrating the use of Ashton Tate's Framework II to solve production and operations management problems. Sample applications include forecasting, after tax economic analysis, and data storage and retrieval, demonstrating the advantages of linking word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.     

Graphics as an expert system user interfacing media

This paper demonstrates the usefulness of using graphics as an user interfacing media in expert systems. The graphics interfacing ability of the Personal Consultant Plus, an expert system development tool, is examined. A graphics image can be created by a graphics editor or a sophisticated drafting software package, such as TelePaint, PC Palette, Story Board, AutoCAD, etc. The graphics image can then be captured and utilized in the expert system in various ways. The user interface using graphics makes an expert system easier to use and to understand.     

Three dimensional representation workplace diagram on a microcomputer

This paper presents a simple but effective approach used for creating a three dimensional representation of a workplace diagram on a microcomputer. Typical system modeling software packages can only generate two dimensional workplace diagrams which are not practical for analyzing and enhancing most industrial workplaces. The use of color-coded symbols, as presented in this paper, make it possible to simulate a three dimensional workplace diagram of the system under study. This approach has proven to be a more efficient and effective way for representing or describing the actual industrial workplace to be analyzed. As a result, the corresponding valid system model can be easily constructed and finally, an effective solution for further system enhancement processes can be obtained.     

An AutoCAD-Based Expert System For Plant Layout

This paper describes the development of a plant layout system implemented in AutoLISP on an IBM PS/2 computer. This system combines computational algorithms, human expertise, and computer graphics in one program for plant layout design and drafting. The objective is to develop a computer system for automation of the layout design and documentation process.

This system emulates a plant layout expert in the last step of plant layout process. The input to the system includes department dimensions, between-department material flows, and aisle width. The system generates and evaluates layout alternatives according to given objectives. AutoCAD commands are called to plot the layout when an alternative layout is being created. This system ensures that each department has an access to the aisle and the travel distance between two departments are measured along the aisle. As both design expertise and computer graphics are programmed in the same environment, the interfacing problem between them is easily eliminated.