Showing papers on "Production engineering published in 1990"

Production control: a universal conceptual framework

Abstract: This paper attempts to provide a universal conceptual framework for the function of production control. The existing literature on production control deals mainly with the mechanical engineering industry. This paper attempts first to provide a framework suitable for all types of production industry. The second purpose of the paper is to support the view that the function of production planning uses production engineering skills to plan the means to be used to make products, and production control uses the very different scheduling skills to programme the work. There is some confusion in the literature about the division between these functions. Here the term ‘production control’ is preferred to the term ‘production planning and control’. Finally, there is confusion in the literature over the meaning of the terms ‘stock control’ and ‘inventory control’. This paper adopts the convention that stock control is an ‘ordering system based on re-order levels’; inventory control is a feed-back control sys...

The use of production management concepts in the design of production management systems

Abstract: Much planning and control in production is ‘action oriented’, that is, action is preferred to the application of insight and understanding. Despite the fact that almost every section and department of an industrial enterprise is involved, production management has become a specialized function closely attached to the computer department. In order to benefit from the potential combined effects (synergy) of modern technology we need to include many aspects and disciplines. This has called for a new, situational approach to production management which accepts the complexity of reality and strives for insight, which focuses attention on the mutual interplay between involved sections, and which considers production management as an integral part of the industrial enterprise. The result of adopting this new approach is presented in this and a subsequent paper. The present paper first discusses how to define the role of production in a corporate context. It includes a comparison of actual performance wi...

Manufacturing systems engineering: the concept, its context and the state of the art

Abstract: ‘Manufacturing systems engineering’ is a unified approach to manufacturing technology (flow of materials) and production management (flow of information). This was first proposed as an academic subject in 1975 (Hitomi 1975 b), and has lately been recognized as potentially a second Industrial Revolution (White and Mitchell 1989). This article reviews the basic concepts of manufacturing systems within their historical perspective and summarizes the important decision-making procedures for efficient and economical production activities.

A Knowledge-based Approach to Production Planning

Abstract: This paper discusses a knowledge-based approach to production planning, the process of establishing production rates, work force levels and on-hand inventories for product families as a possible alternative to traditional operational research methods. It describes one company’s experienced-based approach to production planning and how this was incorporated into a knowledge-based system. The production planning state-space, use of common planning constraints and heuristic procedures, and a prototype of a knowledge-based system that develops production plans for one product family are also described.

Information Systems for Use by Production Management in Smaller Manufacturing Enterprises

Abstract: This paper presents the results of a research project designed to investigate the possibilities of developing generic software for use by production management in smaller manufacturing enterprises (SME). This has exploited the latest development in fourth generation languages (4GLs).A survey was carried out to establish the current state-of-the-art in computer assisted production management (CAPM) and to identify key areas to be included in the development. The results of this led to the inclusion of materials management, production planning (imaterials and resources), production progressing and costing as the basic cores in the system developed. The choice of 4GL was seen as a crucial factor to the success of the project. The wide availability of these meant that a formalized procedure needed to be developed to select that used by the project team: DAT AFIT DP4. To facilitate the generic nature of the software, and to contribute to its flexibility, a general model of the production process was constructe...

Construction engineering networks : techniques, planning, and management

Abstract: (1990). Construction Engineering Networks: Techniques, Planning and Management. Journal of the Operational Research Society: Vol. 41, No. 12, pp. 1175-1176.

The implementation of a low-cost production-line inspection system

Abstract: This article describes an application of computers to a consumer-based production engineering environment. Particular consideration is given to the utilisation of low-cost computer systems for the visual inspection of components on a production line in real time. The process of installation is discussed, from identifying the need for artificial vision and justifying the cost, through to choosing a particular system and designing the physical and program structure.

Production control for flexible automated manufacturing stations in low volume component manufacturing

Abstract: • A submitted manuscript is the version of the article upon submission and before peer-review. There can be important differences between the submitted version and the official published version of record. People interested in the research are advised to contact the author for the final version of the publication, or visit the DOI to the publisher's website. • The final author version and the galley proof are versions of the publication after peer review. • The final published version features the final layout of the paper including the volume, issue and page numbers.

Domestic refrigerating appliance

Abstract: A domestic refrigerating appliance 1 has an enclosed compressor 3 which, like other components, is connected to the refrigerant circuit via lengths of connecting piping 9. To be able to make the necessary connections in the refrigerant circuit using simple means and in a manner favourable in terms of production engineering, the lengths of piping 9 consist of plastic tubing.

A Functional Check Approach to Rationalise Design and Manufacturing Problems

Abstract: This paper presents the concept of a functional check approach which concerns how the knowledge base and database of machine design and manufacturing are linked. This functional check approach attempts to develop a system containing a collection of knowledge which describes the relationships among design, manufacturing and assembly for those usually appear together. Both the designer and the production engineer can consult and get information from the system and rationalise the design, manufacturing and assembly. The construction of this functional check system will result in an analysis of a machine element from the functional point of view. To construct knowledge systematically, Prolog programming is used due to the ease of its hierarchical structure. Its potentiality to achieve an expert system development in the future is also appreciated.

Managing manufacturing and engineering in VLSI fabs

Abstract: An intensive study of over 20 high-volume VLSI fabrication facilities located in Japan and the United States is described. The purpose of the study is to learn what managers can do to make the facilities perform better in terms of productivity, process advance, and the introduction and production of products with advanced performance. The author describes the methodology of the study as well as a conceptual model of manufacturing and engineering management which structures some of the empirical work. >

The electronic spreadsheet as a tool for course co-ordination in a school of engineering

Abstract: A semi-computerized method utilizing a spreadsheet software for the co-ordination of courses for a class of engineering students is presented. It has been successfully adopted to assist several main co-ordination tasks which involve class sizes of the order of hundreds in the school of Mechanical and Production Engineering at the Nanyang Technological Institute for the last 5 years. These include the setting up of procedures for student grouping, time-tabling, preparation of attendance registers and mark-sheets and processing of marks. Experience has confirmed that the method is efficient, flexible, versatile, easy-to-implement, and capable of allowing last-minute changes to be made which made it invaluable.

Use Technology to Reduce Manufacturing Costs

Abstract: Every manufacturing company has a number of organizations concerned with developing or applying technology These groups may be called product engineering, manufacturing engineering, process engineering, engineering analysis, material engineering, or test laboratories, to name a few

Automation and Control of Off-Planet Oxygen Production Processes

Abstract: This paper addresses several aspects of the automation and control of off-planet production processes. First, a general approach to process automation and control is discussed from the viewpoint of translating human process control procedures into automated procedures. Second, the control issues for the automation and control of off-planet oxygen processes are discussed. Sensors, instruments, and components are defined and discussed in the context of off-planet applications, and the need for 'smart' components is clearly established.

A computer integrated system for autonomous management of production (illustrated by applications in textile manufacturing)

Abstract: A computer-based manufacturing decision system prototype that can be implemented in a wide variety of production workplaces to aid in identifying production problems, production-improvement opportunities, and appropriate management actions is described. The system described is designed to access production-performance data, to identify symptoms of poor performance, to diagnose likely causes of poor performance, and to recommend actions that will best meet production objectives. The system integrates statistical, expert system and management science methods into a set of modules that aid production managers in acute and long-term management. An implementation of the system for use in autonomous management of textile production and as a management decision aid is described and used in the specific case of managing weaving facilities. >

Engineering Industry Perspective

Abstract: Predicting the research needs within the engineering industry over the next 10 years requires a clear view of the industry's priorities and the role of the Occupational Health Practitioner in a rapidly changing and demanding world. This article describes the possible impact of manufacturing and social trends on occupational health practice and proposes priorities which favour operational requirements over fundamental scientific need.

The Engineering and Manufacturing Managers of the 21st Century: Part II: Career Development and Progression

Abstract: The area of engineering and managerial needs of companies are focused on, and how the often conflicting engineering, business and managerial demands can be developed into a successful long‐term relationship. The concept of career management and the way in which it can be promoted and controlled is outlined. A number of practical points that companies and graduates can use to improve the management development process are given.

The National Shipbuilding Research Program, 1990 Ship Production Symposium, Paper No. 6A-2: Large Scale Processing Machinery for Fabrication of Composite Hulls and Superstructure

Abstract: : Large scale mechanical systems for impregnating and positioning composite materials are now permitting efficient manufacturing of composite hulls to 60 meters (200 ft) and greater. Recreational, commercial, and military vessels fabricated from composite materials are gaining acceptance around the world; however, processing of thermosetting resins and fiber reinforcements in quantities exceeding 90,000 kg (200,000 lbs) per unit presents a new set of challenges to production engineers responsible for maintaining quality control. Impregnation systems are currently being used at several mine-hunter production shipyards world-wide. Large-to-medium sized recreational yachts are also in production with impregnation systems. This paper will review some past and current impregnator installations, the selection process used for choosing the systems, and production engineering factors.

A method of industrial plant layout and material flow analysis in AutoCAD

Abstract: 80 PLANT LAYOUT AND MATERIAL HANDLING ANALYSIS USING INTERACTIVE GRAPHICS Victor M. Tamashunas Industrial Engineering Dept. Iowa State University Ames, Iowa 50011 Jihad Labban and David Sly CIMTECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION 525 East Second, Suite 500 Ames, Iowa 50010 In the methods for the analysis of manufacturing plant layout and material handling systems commonly used today, the production data (products, parts, and routings), the facility layout drawings, and other data and calculations are in separate software or paper embodiments. The time and effort to calculate useful results by conventional means is usually prohibitive. Hence the need for an unconventional tool--FactoryFLOW. FactoryFLOW is a micro-computer-based iterative, interactive program which integrates the graphics of a CAD system with the analysis of plant layout and material handling systems. The program enables the user to alter production volumes, part routings, material handling methods, or storage and machine locations and then receive automatic cost and distance calculations. The material handling costs are listed in management reports and highlighted graphically by the thickness of the actual material handling paths overlayed on the plant drawing. The authors believe this is the first microcomputer program with these capabilities. This paper describes the FactoryFLOW program in detail.

Precision Engraving Utilising CAD/CAM/CNC Technology

Abstract: The precision engraving of biscuit shapes onto large brass rollers is a critical task in producing biscuit making machines (1). This paper initially outlines the traditional design office and machining techniques that were used to produce biscuit rollers. It then goes on to describe the implementation of a pioneering new engraving method that uses state of the art CAD/CAM techniques. DNC is linked to a custom designed high speed CNC engraving machine that itself is at the forefront of machine tool technology. The production engineering, financial and marketing advantages of the new system are highlighted, and potential enhancements to this system are discussed.

Requirements of complex computer-based engineering in the motor industry

Abstract: It is shown that the requirements for computer-based autoregressive engineering can only be partly identified. The environmental factors responsible for this situation are discussed. Integration of engineering activities and data processing media is considered. A conceptual approach to automotive CAE is outlined. >

Integration of planning control and manufacturing process design system for contemporary production

Abstract: The author presents problems, perspectives, and strategies for high-level automated contemporary production. It is pointed out that automation levels are determined by manufacturing goals and product complexity. Increasing the effectiveness of an integrated manufacturing system entails the creation of an integrated intensive data exchange information system comprising planning, technology, design, and control systems. >