Formalizing information-integration for manufacturing systems
by Bipin Chadha, R.E. Fulton
International Journal of Computer Applications in Technology (IJCAT), Vol. 6, No. 4, 1993

Abstract: Manufacturing systems are becoming increasingly complex and often involve a wide range of functions that are multidisciplinary in nature. Integration efforts for these systems are often carried out in an ad-hoc fashion. This has been primarily due to lack of formalisation and structured frameworks. This paper discusses the issues involved in the information integration of material handling design activities as well as material handling operational activities. A case study approach has been adopted to better understand the nature of the integration problem and to develop strategies for better information integration. The case studies have helped in defining a generic integration model (GIM) and a generic software framework for integration of various aspects of material handling. The GIM formalises the information-integration process and provides definitions and axioms to help achieve it. Shared information is identified through protocol analysis and data modelling techniques. Two case studies are discussed, the first involving the integration of several MH design functions: plant layout, layout optimisation, automated storage and retrieval system design, automated guided vehicle system design, and simulation. The second case study involves the integrated manufacture of optical fibre products. The functions studied include: order processing and shipping, product tracking, quality control and testing, scheduling, and inventory control. The case studies are then used to evaluate the proposed model. It is seen inventory control. The case studies are then used to evaluate the proposed model.

Online publication date: Tue, 10-Jun-2014

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