Showing papers in "International Journal of Product Lifecycle Management in 2017"
TL;DR: Opportunities for mapping standard data representations, such as the Standard for the Exchange of Product Data (STEP), MTConnect, and the Quality Information Framework (QIF) to integrate information silos existing across the lifecycle are explored.
Abstract: Recent advances enable data from manufacturing systems to be captured and contextualised relative to other phases of the product lifecycle, a necessary step toward understanding system behaviour and satisfying traceability requirements. Significant challenges remain for integrating information across the lifecycle and enabling efficient decision-making. In this paper, we explore opportunities for mapping standard data representations, such as the Standard for the Exchange of Product Data (STEP), MTConnect, and the Quality Information Framework (QIF) to integrate information silos existing across the lifecycle. To demonstrate this vision, we describe a reference implementation with a contract manufacturer in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Smart Manufacturing Systems Test Bed. Using this implementation, we explore how knowledge generated from manufacturing can support lifecycle decision-making. As a case study, we then present an interactive prototype correlating the test bed's data based on the context that must be provided for a specific decision-making viewpoint.
29 citations
TL;DR: A reference ontology that has been developed to enable the interoperation of software tools involved in the global production of new product-services systems (PSS) is put forward using a formal logic-based approach.
Abstract: The need to innovate and compete drives organisations to constantly seek new approaches to facilitate business and commerce. As market places become ever more globalised and digital economies grow, these organisations rely more heavily upon systems to design and deliver their products and services. Hence, when developing and operating a global production network the need for systems to interoperate between different domains and contexts within a global production network becomes paramount if organisations are to succeed. This paper puts forwards a reference ontology that has been developed to enable the interoperation of software tools involved in the global production of new product-services systems (PSS). It sets out the levels of the reference ontology, detailing closely the product-service aspects. This has been developed using a formal logic-based approach. An example knowledge base has been created from industrial end user information with queries applied to this to provide a set of results, showing the ability of the reference ontology.
14 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a maturity assessment model based on prevalent product development best practices from literature is proposed to measure a company's maturity in product development activities, and the results of an empirical data collection in 2012-2013 within the GeCo Observatory initiative in Italy are presented.
Abstract: In order to deliver products successfully, companies can choose between vast amounts of best practices to apply in their product development. However product development processes are still wasteful in practice. With the aim of creating awareness between practitioners on the meaning of product development best practices, and to propose how a company could measure its maturity in product development activities, this paper proposes CLIMB: a maturity assessment model based on prevalent product development best practices from literature. Additionally, the paper proposes the results of an empirical data collection in 2012-2013 within the GeCo Observatory initiative in Italy, which gathered data through more than 100 semi-structured face-to-face interviews from Italian and international companies using the CLIMB model. The result is that the tool is effective and further research has been stimulated to understand which circumstances lead the choice of certain best practices over others.
12 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors propose an approach to select a PLM solution and to anticipate its deployment in a food company to increase the level of knowledge of the product lifecycle management (PLM) solution in the food industry and to improve the new product development (NPD) process of the companies operating in food industry.
Abstract: The food industry has a unique role in all countries' economies since it is essential to its people's health. This paper focuses on this important sector. The objective is to identify the main difficulties in the implementation phase of the product lifecycle management (PLM) solution in the design phase. It proposes an approach that could drive and support food companies to make specific and strategic decisions. This work starts with an analysis of the problems associated with the deployment of a PLM solution. Furthermore, this analysis allows the authors to propose an approach to select a PLM solution and to anticipate its deployment in a food company. The purpose of this approach is to increase the level of knowledge of the PLM solution in the food industry and to improve the new product development (NPD) process of the companies operating in the food industry. In this context, a specific industrial case (Poult case study) is described. In conclusion, this study gives a first theoretical framework which can help companies utilise PLM effectively by understanding the context in which they are positioned.
10 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a framework for the deployment of shop-floor data, acquired through a monitoring system, in the design phase is presented: hence, MES should cooperate with design for additive manufacturing (DFAM), a set of methods and tools helpful to design a product and its manufacturing process taking into account AM specificities from the early design stages.
Abstract: The deployment of additive manufacturing (AM) processes had a rapid and broad increase in the last years, and the same trend is expected to hold in the near future. A way to better exploit the advantages of such technology is the use of appropriate information tools. However, today there is a lack of software applications devoted to this innovative manufacturing process. To overcome this issue, in the present work the application of manufacturing execution systems (MES), a tool commonly used in traditional manufacturing processes, is extended to AM. Furthermore, a framework for the deployment of shop-floor data, acquired through a monitoring system, in the design phase is presented: hence, MES should cooperate with design for additive manufacturing (DFAM), a set of methods and tools helpful to design a product and its manufacturing process taking into account AM specificities from the early design stages. In order to better understand the advantages of such cooperation, a case study for a proof of concept has been developed: the obtained results are promising, thus an online implementation would be recommended.
8 citations
TL;DR: This work is aimed at acquiring expert knowledge from text documents, about problems faced in aircraft assembly, using a method proposed, implemented using a pipeline of natural language processing tools.
Abstract: Expert knowledge is important for any product's lifecycle, especially during the manufacturing part of the lifecycle. Most of such knowledge is obtained through experience and its reuse can help prevent potential issues in subsequent product development. Extracting the knowledge acquired for reuse in subsequent development closes the knowledge loop within a product's lifecycle. This work is aimed at acquiring expert knowledge from text documents, about problems faced in aircraft assembly. For doing so, a method is proposed, and is implemented using a pipeline of natural language processing tools. Though existing tools have been used, domain related studies and subsequent modifications have been shown to be necessary. An implementation of the proposed method is also developed and evaluated. Future directions for expanding the work have also been discussed.
6 citations
TL;DR: The findings of an extensive industrial investigation carried out at BAE systems are presented to identify the gaps and requirements in the industrial practice and the need for a structured approach to defect data management is proposed in order to establish the systematic link between the defects, engineering data, and related issues within PLM system context.
Abstract: The aim of adopting product lifecycle management in a highly product centric knowledge environment is to reduce product development time and costs whilst improving quality through integrating people, processes, resources and information effectively. In the aerospace industry, most products and systems are manufactured, delivered to customers and serviced over an extensively long time, typically 20 years or more. This results in the build-up of large amounts of dispersed data and information related to defects throughout the different product's lifecycle stages, hence inhibiting the ability to make effective use of defect data to improve design for manufacturing (DFM) implementation. There have been very limited research efforts aiming to overcome these challenges in the low volume high value aerospace manufacturing context. This paper presents the findings of an extensive industrial investigation carried out at BAE systems (Rochester, UK) to identify the gaps and requirements in the industrial practice and proposes the need for a structured approach to defect data management in order to establish the systematic link between the defects, engineering data, and related issues within PLM system context.
5 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a value creation framework for three dependent stakeholders (consumers, producers and socio-environment) through the creation of the sustainable products value proposition and the half-life return models.
Abstract: In product development, many organisations struggle to create a value proposition that can overcome the headwinds of technology change and regulatory requirements, while satisfying the longer term goals of sustainability. Current product development business models focus on financial return on investment, in the form of a narrow definition of the time value of money. This often leads to the lost portfolio value and the lack of visibility to sunk costs over the entire product lifecycle. This paper presents a value creation framework for three dependent stakeholders (consumers, producers and socio-environment) through the creation of the sustainable products value proposition and the half-life return models. These models integrate the time value of resources into the product delivery process, and show that shareholder value can be enhanced by improving the product design process and extend the life of product platforms.
4 citations
TL;DR: The proposition is a framework for effective implementation ofPLM in the fashion industry based on four consecutive phases: identification of business issues and needs, model process and data, identification of PLM business objects and a scenario analysis to select a PLM solution.
Abstract: The fashion industry is evolving from the traditional kingdom of creativity to innovative initiatives allowing it to compete in the global market. PLM is becoming crucial in companies focusing on product development in order to design new collections each season. Our proposition is a framework for effective implementation of PLM in the fashion industry. It is based on four consecutive phases: identification of business issues and needs, model process and data, identification of PLM business objects and a scenario analysis to select a PLM solution. This approach was tested and validated in a fashion company managing leather goods and conducting internally all the business processes except for production. The research contributes to enfold literature and it could provide valuable insight for practitioners wishing to enhance product development and successfully implement a PLM in the sector.
4 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed a solution method for the KBE-CAD transformation problem by using two product models, the schematic assembly model (SAM) and the intermediate assembly model.
Abstract: A standard method-of-work, employed by manufacturers of engineering-to-order (ETO) products, involves primarily a knowledge-based engineering (KBE) system and a 3D mechanical CAD system. The KBE system includes technical guidelines, design rules, facts, 'best practices' and even a company's commercial and business rules. Thus, when a client places a new order, the manufacturer's aim is to employ its KBE system and (hopefully) minimal user involvement to more-or-less automatically produce the complete 3D CAD model and technical drawings of the requested product. The present paper proposes a solution method for this KBE-CAD transformation problem by using two product models, the schematic assembly model (SAM) and the intermediate assembly model (IAM), in this manner: KBE-SAM-IAM-CAD. The SAM is designed to fully employ all sorts of information available in the KBE system, and incorporate that either in the list of 'SAM components' or in the related 'SAM connection rules'. Then, the IAM translates this 'SAM model' into 3D part models and assembly features, in a manner that production of the final 3D mechanical-CAD model is automatic. This paper also describes and demonstrates a complete implementation of the above KBE-SAM-IAM-CAD methodology in a major industry.
4 citations
TL;DR: In this article, an extension of the capability of the platform into making a rule-based evaluation of the welding manufacturability of the conceptual designs is proposed, which is tested by a prototype system at the air-craft manufacturer.
Abstract: Computer simulations play an important role for evaluating designs in an early stages leading to that more informed decisions can be taken and thereby reducing the risk of costly re-design. In this paper, a platform currently in operation at an aeronautical company for doing extensive automated multi-objective design parameter studies on conceptual designs of aircraft engine components is studied. In the paper, an extension of the capability of the platform into making a rule-based evaluation of the welding manufacturability of the conceptual designs is proposed. The extension is tested by a prototype system at the air-craft manufacturer showing the relation between the design parameters and the manufacturability of the components. The results are presented as a manufacturability index showing what trade-offs with other performance criteria of the engine that can be made. It is shown that the manufacturability evaluation can be integrated in the knowledge value stream and supports a set-based concurrent engineering approach in the company.
TL;DR: A new data model to integrate geographical data with product related data throughout substances flows over the whole lifecycle is proposed, which offers the possibility of enhancing sustainable products and obtaining more relevant results due to a better integration of site specificities.
Abstract: Studying a product's environmental impact on an interacted territory's environmental status can increase decision makers' information when considering design for sustainability (DfS). Spatial representation of environmental information using geographic information systems (GIS) is an approach to analyse environmental status. This paper proposes a new data model to integrate geographical data with product related data throughout substances flows over the whole lifecycle. This model uses coupling of GIS and product lifecycle management (PLM) by unified modelling language (UML) representation. This new data model offers the possibility of enhancing sustainable products and obtaining more relevant results due to a better integration of site specificities.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identify stakeholders in MOL; identify and model relationships among the stakeholders; identify data and information needs of stakeholders; and propose appropriate techniques for data analytics to support accomplishment of stakeholders' needs.
Abstract: Middle of life (MOL) of complex engineering products involves various groups of stakeholders. Products are getting smarter. Furthermore, there is a trend to offer complex engineering products in combination with services. This trend changes current roles of stakeholders in MOL and enables new ones. Existing literature so far lacks a systematic and extensive analysis of the stakeholders within MOL. Therefore, the objectives of this paper are to identify stakeholders in MOL; identify and model relationships among the stakeholders; identify data and information needs of stakeholders and propose appropriate techniques for data analytics to support accomplishment of stakeholders' needs. These objectives are realised by conducting literature survey and interviews. This research focuses on two case studies: offshore wind turbines and commercial airplanes. The paper achieves a systematic perspective on potential stakeholders of MOL and their relationships. Moreover, it proposes supporting approaches for data analytics to satisfy information needs of the stakeholders.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors propose a model to assist decision-makers engaged in the development of aeronautical projects with activities involving uncertainty, which is presented as the difference between the knowledge required and the knowledge retained when making a decision.
Abstract: The uncertainty in the development of aeronautical projects is ultimately a determinant variable in the failure or success of a project due to the impact that a decision will have on the sequence of other project activities. However, there remains a lack of distinction in the literature between the concepts of uncertainty and error. This ultimately influences the type of tool that is used. In this study, uncertainty is presented as the difference between the knowledge required and the knowledge retained when making a decision. Furthermore, it is only appropriate to refer to uncertainty before decision-making, as once a decision is made, only risk remains. This study aims to propose a model to assist decision-makers engaged in the development of aeronautical projects with activities involving uncertainty. The logical sequence presented allows decision-makers to identify, characterise and estimate uncertainty before making a decision.
TL;DR: An alternative distributed PDM approach which focuses on file integration and which uses open source software is presented.
Abstract: Product development takes place in a multidisciplinary environment. Due to this, product data are very different in nature. Furthermore, the manner of how companies collaborate changes. The importance of development networks increases. The changing conditions also affect methods and tools that are used in product data management. In this paper, the relevance of distributed product data management is emphasised. Two existing approaches that introduce P2P technology for PDM systems are mentioned, and possible reasons why they are not used in productive PDM systems up ton now are named. Based on this, an alternative distributed PDM approach which focuses on file integration and which uses open source software is presented.
TL;DR: The results indicate that specific feedback about inconsistency (when performing changes) leads to better engineering results than merely presenting general information about system interconnections.
Abstract: Today's product development projects require collaboration across different engineering domains in order to be successful. For instance, a project may require software engineers to collaborate with electrical engineers and mechanical engineers. Even though engineers of different domains focus on different parts of the system-under-development, these parts typically cannot work in isolation. Therefore, coordination among these engineers is necessary to ensure that the individual parts of a system work together well when combined. The lack of such coordination leads to inconsistencies and hence the inability to integrate individual parts of the system. Even though approaches for finding such inconsistencies have been developed, it has yet to be shown whether the presentation of inconsistencies is of actual value to engineers. In this paper, we present the results of a practical experiment that assessed the effects of the presence of inconsistent information during development. The results indicate that specific feedback about inconsistency (when performing changes) leads to better engineering results than merely presenting general information about system interconnections.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the possibilities of managing such a heterogeneous content through a PLM system that concentrates on historical knowledge and museums, and demonstrate their process through an industrial research and development project with a history museum.
Abstract: Dealing with historical knowledge is a complex task as it involves specific approaches modelling and know-how. Heritage objects are historical witnesses with life cycles that are difficult to clearly identify. In this paper, we discuss the possibilities of managing such a heterogeneous content through a PLM system that concentrates on historical knowledge and museums. Based on previous research in the field of advanced industrial archaeology, we demonstrate our process through an industrial research and development project with a history museum.