Kathryn E. Stecke

Bio: Kathryn E. Stecke is an academic researcher from University of Texas at Dallas. The author has contributed to research in topics: Flexible manufacturing system & Production planning. The author has an hindex of 35, co-authored 91 publications receiving 5831 citations. Previous affiliations of Kathryn E. Stecke include University of Michigan & Purdue University.

Classification of Flexible Manufacturing Systems

Abstract: There has been some uncertainty concerning the conditions under which a manufacturing system may be termed 'flexible'. To clarify this confusion eight types of flexibilities are defined and described.

Formulation and Solution of Nonlinear Integer Production Planning Problems for Flexible Manufacturing Systems

Abstract: A flexible manufacturing system FMS is an integrated, computer-controlled complex of automated material handling devices and numerically controlled machine tools that can simultaneously process medium-sized volumes of a variety of part types. FMSs are becoming an attractive substitute for the conventional means of batch manufacturing, especially in the metal-cutting industry. This new production technology has been designed to attain the efficiency of well-balanced, machine-paced transfer lines, while utilizing the flexibility that job shops have to simultaneously machine multiple part types. Some properties and constraints of these systems are similar to those of flow and job shops, while others are different. This technology creates the need to develop new and appropriate planning and control procedures that take advantage of the system's capabilities for higher production rates. This paper defines a set of five production planning problems that must be solved for efficient use of an FMS, and addresses specifically the grouping and loading problems. These two problems are first formulated in detail as nonlinear 0-1 mixed integer programs. In an effort to develop solution methodologies for these two planning problems, several linearization methods are examined and applied to data from an existing FMS. To decrease computational time, the constraint size of the linearized integer problems is reduced according to various methods. Several real world problems are solved in very reasonable time using the linearization that results in the fewest additional constraints and/or variables. The problem characteristics that determine which linearization to use, and the application of the linearized models in the solution of actual planning problems, are also discussed.

The evolution of production systems from Industry 2.0 through Industry 4.0

Abstract: This paper discusses production systems with a focus on the relationships between product supply and customer demand in the context of Industry 2.0–4.0. One driver of production evolution is change...

Loading and control policies for a flexible manufacturing system

Abstract: An experimental investigation of operating strategies for a computer-controlled flexible manufacturing system is reported. The system is a real one, consisting of nine machines, an inspection station and a centralized queueing area—all interconnected by an automatic material-handling mechanism. The operating strategies considered involve policies for loading (allocating operations and tooling to machines) and real-time flow control. A detailed simulation was employed to test alternatives. The results are different from those of classical job shop scheduling studies, showing the dependence of system performance on the loading and control strategies chosen to operate this flexible manufacturing system. Loading and control methods are defined that significantly improve the system's production rate when compared to methods which were previously applied to the system. Finally, some conclusions are presented concerning the control of these automated systems.

Design, planning, scheduling, and control problems of flexible manufacturing systems

Abstract: The design and use of flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs) involve some intricate operations research problems.FMS design problems include, for example, determining the appropriate number of machine tools of each type, the capacity of the material handling system, and the size of buffers.FMS planning problems include the determination of which parts should be simultaneously machined, the optimal partition of machine tools into groups, allocations of pallets and fixtures to part types, and the assignment of operations and associated cutting tools among the limited-capacity tool magazines of the machine tools.FMS scheduling problems include determining the optimal input sequence of parts and an optimal sequence at each machine tool given the current part mix.FMS control problems are those concerned with, for example, monitoring the system to be sure that requirements and due dates are being met and that unreliability problems are taken care of. This paper defines and describes these FMS problems in detail for OR/MS researchers to work on.

Toyota production system : beyond large-scale production

Abstract: * Starting from Need* Evolution of the Toyota Production System* Further Development* Genealogy of the Toyota Production System* The True Intention of the Ford System* Surviving the Low-Growth Period

Flexibility in Manufacturing: A Survey

Abstract: This article is an attempt to survey the vast literature on flexibility in manufacturing that has accumulated over the last 10 to 20 years. The survey begins with a brief review of the classical literature on flexibility in economics and organization theory, which provides a background for manufacturing flexibility. Several kinds of flexibilities in manufacturing are then defined carefully along with their purposes, the means to obtain them, and some suggested measurements and valuations. Then we examine the interrelationships among the several flexibilities. Various empirical studies and analytical/optimization models dealing with these flexibilities are reported and discussed. The article concludes with suggestions for some possible future research directions.

Flexibility in Manufacturing: A Survey

Abstract: This article is an attempt to survey the vast literature on flexibility in manufacturing that has accumulated over the last 10 to 20 years. The survey begins with a brief review of the classical literature on flexibility in economics and organization theory, which provides a background for manufacturing flexibility. Several kinds of flexibilities in manufacturing are then defined carefully along with their purposes, the means to obtain them, and some suggested measurements and valuations. Then we examine the interrelationships among the several flexibilities. Various empirical studies and analytical/optimization models dealing with these flexibilities are reported and discussed. The article concludes with suggestions for some possible future research directions.

Predicting the impacts of epidemic outbreaks on global supply chains: A simulation-based analysis on the coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2) case

Abstract: Epidemic outbreaks are a special case of supply chain (SC) risks which is distinctively characterized by a long-term disruption existence, disruption propagations (i.e., the ripple effect), and high uncertainty. We present the results of a simulation study that opens some new research tensions on the impact of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) on the global SCs. First, we articulate the specific features that frame epidemic outbreaks as a unique type of SC disruption risks. Second, we demonstrate how simulation-based methodology can be used to examine and predict the impacts of epidemic outbreaks on the SC performance using the example of coronavirus COVID-19 and anyLogistix simulation and optimization software. We offer an analysis for observing and predicting both short-term and long-term impacts of epidemic outbreaks on the SCs along with managerial insights. A set of sensitivity experiments for different scenarios allows illustrating the model's behavior and its value for decision-makers. The major observation from the simulation experiments is that the timing of the closing and opening of the facilities at different echelons might become a major factor that determines the epidemic outbreak impact on the SC performance rather than an upstream disruption duration or the speed of epidemic propagation. Other important factors are lead-time, speed of epidemic propagation, and the upstream and downstream disruption durations in the SC. The outcomes of this research can be used by decision-makers to predict the operative and long-term impacts of epidemic outbreaks on the SCs and develop pandemic SC plans. Our approach can also help to identify the successful and wrong elements of risk mitigation/preparedness and recovery policies in case of epidemic outbreaks. The paper is concluded by summarizing the most important insights and outlining future research agenda.