110 research outputs found
An approach to resource modelling in support of the life cycle engineering of enterprise systems
Enterprise modelling can facilitate the design, analysis, control and construction of
contemporary enterprises which can compete in world-wide Product markets. This
research involves a systematic study of enterprise modelling with a particular focus on
resource modelling in support of the life cycle engineering of enterprise systems.
This led to the specification and design of a framework for resource modelling. This
framework was conceived to:
classify resource types;
identify the different functions that resource modelling can support, with respect to
different life phases of enterprise systems;
clarify the relationship between resource models and other modelling perspectives
provide mechanisms which link resource models and other types of models;
identify guidelines for the capture of information - on resources, leading to the
establishment of a set of resource reference models.
The author also designed and implemented a resource modelling tool which conforms
to the principles laid down by the framework. This tool realises important aspects of
the resource modeffing concepts so defined.
Furthermore, two case studies have been carried out. One models a metal cutting
environment, and the other is based on an electronics industry problem area. In this
way, the feasibility of concepts embodied in the framework and the design of the
resource modelling tool has been tested and evaluated.
Following a literature survey and preliminary investigation, the CIMOSA enterprise
modelling and integration methodology was adopted and extended within this
research. Here the resource modelling tool was built by extending SEWOSA (System
Engineering Workbench for Open System Architecture) and utilising the CIMBIOSYS
(CINI-Building Integrated Open SYStems) integrating infrastructure.
The main contributions of the research are that: a framework for resource modelling has been established; means and mechanisms have been proposed, implemented and tested which link and coordinate different modelling perspectives into an unified enterprise model; the mechanisms and resource models generated by this research support each Pfe
phase of systems engineering projects and demonstrate benefits by increasing the
degree to which the derivation process among models is automated
The integrated use of enterprise and system dynamics modelling techniques in support of business decisions
Enterprise modelling techniques support business process re-engineering by capturing existing processes and based on perceived outputs, support the design of future process models capable of meeting enterprise requirements. System dynamics modelling tools on the other hand are used extensively for policy analysis and modelling aspects of dynamics which impact on businesses. In this paper, the use of enterprise and system dynamics modelling techniques has been integrated to facilitate qualitative and quantitative reasoning about the structures and behaviours of processes and resource systems used by a Manufacturing Enterprise during the production of composite
bearings. The case study testing reported has led to the specification of a new modelling methodology for analysing and managing dynamics and complexities in production systems. This methodology is based on a systematic transformation process, which synergises the use
of a selection of public domain enterprise modelling, causal loop and continuous simulationmodelling techniques. The success of the modelling process defined relies on the creation of useful CIMOSA process models which are then converted to causal loops. The causal loop models are
then structured and translated to equivalent dynamic simulation models using the proprietary continuous simulation modelling tool iThink
A model driven methodology to measure the Level of Application of Management Process (LAMP) in manufacturing enterprise
Increasingly Manufacturing Enterprises (MEs) need to perform competitively to survive in today s global markets. This thesis investigates the notion that competitive product realisation is not simply dependent on deploying state of the art operational and infrastructural support processes but also depends upon the adoption of management processes that ensure efficient and effective use of human and non human resources.
Having an experience of more than two decades working in a public sector ME located in Pakistan the author has observed that improvements in timelines, quality and profit begins from measurement; followed by goal, problem & solution understanding, then planning and control of needed change. Therefore, a desire to enhance best practice qualitative and quantitative measurement of management processes triggered and focussed this research. Consequently the aim of this research has been to contribute to knowledge by using state of the art modelling techniques to structure and enable quantitative measurement of management processes within MEs. Subsequent research of the author has conceived, implemented and case tested a modelling methodology that is designed to measure the Level of Application of Management Process (LAMP) in pursuit of ME productivity improvement.
In order to achieve the aim of this research, a semi generic model of management processes deployed in MEs was defined and explicitly modelled by using an ISO Enterprise Modelling technique. The definition of this semi-generic model was realised consequent upon (1) a literature review and (2) conducting semi-structured interviews with experts (n=42) in three public sector MEs located in Pakistan. Use of the Enterprise Modelling technique enabled decomposition and classification of management processes into so called Domain Processes, which subsequently were explicitly defined as Business Processes at a more detailed level of modelling abstraction. Then during subsequent research the author conceived and developed the use of a methodology to apply a LAMP scorecard the use of which was tested whilst conducting structured interviews with project managers (n=25) in three public sector MEs located in Pakistan that operate on project oriented management structures.
The case study results partially validated the fitness for purpose of the model driven measurement methodology, identified opportunities for future methodological research and illustrated how LAMP identified and enabled measurements can help to define, quantify and direct potential opportunities for ME enhancement
A manufacturing model to support data-driven applications for design and manufacture
This thesis is primarily concerned with conceptual work on the Manufacturing
Model. The Manufacturing Model is an information model which describes the
manufacturing capability of an enterprise. To achieve general applicability, the
model consists of the entities that are relevant and important for any type of
manufacturing firm, namely: manufacturing resources (e.g. machines, tools,
fixtures, machining cells, operators, etc.), manufacturing processes (e.g. injection
moulding, machining processes, etc.) and manufacturing strategies (e.g. how these
resources and processes are used and organized). The Manufacturing Model is a four
level model based on a de—facto standard (i.e. Factory, Shop, Cell, Station) which
represents the functionality of the manufacturing facility of any firm.
In the course of the research, the concept of data—driven applications has emerged in
response to the need of integrated and flexible computer environments for the
support of design and manufacturing activities. These data—driven applications
require the use of different information models to capture and represent the
company's information and knowledge. One of these information models is the
Manufacturing Model.
The value of this research work is highlighted by the use of two case studies, one
related with the representation of a single machining station, and the other, the
representation of a multi-cellular manufacturing facility of a high performance
company
Enhanced integrated modelling approach to reconfiguring manufacturing enterprises
Dynamism and uncertainty are real challenges for present day manufacturing enterprises (MEs). Reasons include: an increasing demand for customisation, reduced time to market, shortened product life cycles and globalisation. MEs can reduce competitive pressure by becoming reconfigurable and change-capable. However, modern manufacturing philosophies, including agile and lean, must complement the application of reconfigurable manufacturing paradigms. Choosing and applying the best philosophies and techniques is very difficult as most MEs deploy complex and unique configurations of processes and resource systems, and seek economies of scope and scale in respect of changing and distinctive product flows. It follows that systematic methods of achieving model driven reconfiguration and interoperation of component based manufacturing systems are required to design, engineer and change future MEs. This thesis, titled Enhanced Integrated Modelling Approach to Reconfiguring Manufacturing Enterprises , introduces the development and prototyping a model-driven environment for the design, engineering, optimisation and control of the reconfiguration of MEs with an embedded capability to handle various types of change. The thesis describes a novel systematic approach, namely enhanced integrated modelling approach (EIMA), in which coherent sets of integrated models are created that facilitates the engineering of MEs especially their production planning and control (PPC) systems. The developed environment supports the engineering of common types of strategic, tactical and operational processes found in many MEs. The EIMA is centred on the ISO standardised CIMOSA process modelling approach. Early study led to the development of simulation models during which various CIMOSA shortcomings were observed, especially in its support for aspects of ME dynamism. A need was raised to structure and create semantically enriched models hence forming an enhanced integrated modelling environment. The thesis also presents three industrial case examples: (1) Ford Motor Company; (2) Bradgate Furniture Manufacturing Company; and (3) ACM Bearings Company. In order to understand the system prior to realisation of any PPC strategy, multiple process segments of any target organisation need to be modelled. Coherent multi-perspective case study models are presented that have facilitated process reengineering and associated resource system configuration. Such models have a capability to enable PPC decision making processes in support of the reconfiguration of MEs. During these case studies, capabilities of a number of software tools were exploited such as Arena®, Simul8®, Plant Simulation®, MS Visio®, and MS Excel®. Case study results demonstrated effectiveness of the concepts related to the EIMA. The research has resulted in new contributions to knowledge in terms of new understandings, concepts and methods in following ways: (1) a structured model driven integrated approach to the design, optimisation and control of future reconfiguration of MEs. The EIMA is an enriched and generic process modelling approach with capability to represent both static and dynamic aspects of an ME; and (2) example application cases showing benefits in terms of reduction in lead time, cost and resource load and in terms of improved responsiveness of processes and resource systems with a special focus on PPC; (3) identification and industrial application of a new key performance indicator (KPI) known as P3C the measuring and monitoring of which can aid in enhancing reconfigurability and responsiveness of MEs; and (4) an enriched modelling concept framework (E-MUNE) to capture requirements of static and dynamic aspects of MEs where the conceptual framework has the capability to be extended and modified according to the requirements. The thesis outlines key areas outlining a need for future research into integrated modelling approaches, interoperation and updating mechanisms of partial models in support of the reconfiguration of MEs
The development of factory templates for the integrated virtual factory framework
Páginas numeradas: I-XVI, 17-123Tese de mestrado integrado. Engenharia Electrotécnica e de Computadores (Major Automação). Faculdade de Engenharia. Universidade do Porto. 201
Multi-process modelling approach to complex organisation design
Present day markets require manufacturing enterprises (MEs) to be designed and run in a flexibly
structured yet optimised way. However, contemporary approaches to ME engineering do not
enable this requirement to capture ME attributes such that suitable processes, resource systems
and support services can be readily implemented and changed.
This study has developed and prototyped a model-driven environment for the design,
optimisation and control of MEs with an embedded capability to handle various types of change.
This so called Enriched-Process Modelling (E-MPM) Environment can support the engineering
of strategic, tactical and operational processes and comprises two parts: (1) an E-MPM Method
that informs, structures, and guides modelling activities required at different stages of ME
systems design; and (2) an E-MPM Modelling Framework that specifies interconnections between
modelling concepts necessary for the design and run time operation of ME systems. [Continues.
Design and realisation of an integrated methodology for the analytical design of complex supply chains
Supply chain systems are inherently complex and are dynamically changing webs of
relationships. Wider product variety, smaller production lot sizes, more tiers and different
actors involved in coordinated supply chains also cause supply chain complexity and
presents major challenges to production managers. This context has led modern
organizations to implement new supply chain paradigms and adopt new techniques to
support rapid design, analysis and implementation of the new paradigms.
The present research focuses to develop an integrated methodology which can support the
analytical design of complex supply chains. [Continues.
Innovative configurable and collaborative approach to automation systems engineering for automotive powertrain assembly
Presently the automotive industry is facing enormous pressure due to global
competition and ever changing legislative, economic and customer demands. Both,
agility and reconfiguration are widely recognised as important attributes for
manufacturing systems to satisfy the needs of competitive global markets. To facilitate
and accommodate unforeseen business changes within the automotive industry, a new
proactive methodology is urgently required for the design, build, assembly and
reconfiguration of automation systems. There is also need for the promotion of new
technologies and engineering methods to enable true engineering concurrency between
product and process development. Virtual construction and testing of new automation
systems prior to build is now identified as a crucial requirement to enable system
verification and to allow the investigation of design alternatives prior to building and
testing physical systems. The main focus of this research was to design and develop
reconfigurable assembly systems within the powertrain sector of the automotive
industry by capturing and modelling relevant business and engineering processes.
This research has proposed and developed a more process-efficient and robust
automation system design, build and implementation approach via new engineering
services and a standard library of reusable mechanisms. Existing research at
Loughborough had created the basic technology for a component based approach to
automation. However, no research had been previously undertaken on the application of
this approach in a user engineering and business context. The objective of this research
was therefore to utilise this prototype method and associated engineering tools and to
devise novel business and engineering processes to enable the component-based
approach to be applied in industry. This new approach has been named Configurable
and Collaborative Automation Systems (CO AS). In particular this new research has
studied the implications of migration to a COAS approach in terms of I) necessary
changes to the end-users business processes, 2) potential to improve the robustness of
the resultant system and 3) potential for improved efficiency and greater collaboration
across the supply chain... cont'
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