Title: A computer integrated unified modelling approach to responsive manufacturing

Authors: Tariq Masood, Richard Weston, Aysin Rahimifard

Addresses: Manufacturing System Integration (MSI) Research Institute, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK; Centre of Excellence in Customised Assembly (CECA), Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK. ' Manufacturing System Integration (MSI) Research Institute, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK; Centre of Excellence in Customised Assembly (CECA), Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK. ' Manufacturing System Integration (MSI) Research Institute, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK

Abstract: Computer modelling approaches have significant potential to enable decision-making about various aspects of responsive manufacturing. In order to understand the system prior to the selection of any responsiveness strategy, multiple process segments of organisations need to be modelled. The article presents a novel systematic approach for creating coherent sets of unified enterprise, simulation and other supporting models that collectively facilitate responsiveness. In this approach, enterprise models are used to explicitly define relatively enduring relationships between (i) production planning and control (PPC) processes, that implement a particular strategy and (ii) process-oriented elements of production systems, that are work loaded by the PPC processes. Coherent simulation models, can in part be derived from the enterprise models, so that they computer execute production system behaviours. In this way, time-based performance outcomes can be simulated; so that the impacts of alternative PPC strategies on the planning and controlling historical or forecasted patterns of workflow, through (current and possible future) production system models, can be analysed. The article describes the unified modelling approach conceived and its application in a furniture industry case study small and medium enterprise (SME).

Keywords: computer integrated modelling; enterprise modelling; organisation design; organisational change; PPC; production planning; production control; simulation; unified modelling; decision making; multiple process segments; process orientation; production system behaviour; time-based performance outcomes; workflow patterns; forecasts; historical trends; furniture industry; small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; United Kingdom; UK; industrial engineering; systems engineering; responsive manufacturing.

DOI: 10.1504/IJISE.2010.031962

International Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering, 2010 Vol.5 No.3, pp.287 - 312

Published online: 03 Mar 2010 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article