Performance evaluation of communication network in a CIM system: A simulation approach.

The aim of CIM networking is to provide a means for integration of information flow. Hence, the communication network facility in a CIM system becomes an important resource or facility to be considered while building CIM systems. CIM networking differs from conventional computer networks as it involves information exchange of both control data and less critical non-real time data and internetworking with intercommunication probabilities depending on specific manufacturing functions. The focus of this research is to model and analyze the performance of a communication network in a typical computer integrated manufacturing environment. As the proper operation and functioning of a CIM system depends on its communication network also, care has to be taken not to overload the system. At the same time providing overcapacity means high unnecessary costs. So, it is important before adding new machines or facilities to the network to determine whether the network can accommodate new communication load. SLAM II (Simulation Language for Alternative Modeling) is used for modeling because of its capabilities of process and discrete event simulation modeling. The model was found to be sensitive and followed logical expectations and was verified correct. Complete validation was not possible because of the non-availability of data from a real system to compare with. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)Dept. of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis1990 .S272. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 30-03, page: 0855. Thesis (M.A.Sc.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 1989

Clustering algorithm for local area network design in a CIM environment

Communication systems have come to be regarded as being one of the most important aspects in manufacturing enterprises in recent years. It continues to offer enormous potential for improving the efficiency of manufacturing enterprises through Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM). It is true however that this potential cannot be realized by developments on the communications front alone. Strategic and economic considerations in installing a communications system in a manufacturing environment is of vital significance. This thesis, at the outset attempts to bring out some of the issues in the area of communications (research), specifically in relation to CIM. A perception of prior research to some of these issues has been provided. The main focus of this thesis is placed on developing a methodology for designing an optimal flow local area network (LAN) for a CIM communications system using analytical models for resource allocation. A new representation of information flow load among the various nodes in a network is conceived which helps to determine an optimal communication traffic matrix. A decision logic to generate a system architecture based on the above information flow is designed. The various factors and variables involved in a communication network are identified. For the purpose of this study however, the most critical variables /factors of these are considered. Definitions of the various terminologies associated with these factors are provided. Experimentations are performed using the simulation approach. The main objective of this study is to help LAN designers to suggest effective configurations of the nodes to be networked so that the installation costs and propagation delays are reduced

A method to support SMEs to optimize their manufacturing operations

In the last decades the gap between enterprise systems, like Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and process control systems has been filled with the development of software systems, commonly referred to as Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM). The ISA-95 standard provides a detailed functional description of this intermediate layer in the CIM pyramid. This standard supports manufacturing companies, system integrators and software vendors by using the same terminology in their communication for integrating their enterprise and control systems. Most of the time, these software systems address bigger companies which are convinced of the strategic advantages for their MOM projects: reduction of risks, costs and errors. This paper introduces an analysis and justification method that reduces the barriers to adoption of MOM systems for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). By applying the method an SME gets an idea of the possible improvements for the materials and information flow required for the production of goods or services

Communication and control in small batch part manufacturing

This paper reports on the development of a real-time control network as an integrated part of a shop floor control system for small batch part manufacturing. The shop floor control system is called the production control system (PCS). The PCS aims at an improved control of small batch part manufacturing systems, enabling both a more flexible use of resources and a decrease in the economical batch size. For this, the PCS integrates various control functions such as scheduling, dispatching, workstation control and monitoring, whilst being connected on-line to the production equipment on the shop floor. The PCS can be applied irrespective of the level of automation on the shop floor. The control network is an essential part of the PCS, as it provides a real-time connection between the different modules (computers) of the PCS, which are geographically distributed over the shop floor. An overview of the requirements of such a control network is given. The description of the design includes the services developed, the protocols used and the physical layout of the network. A prototype of the PCS, including the control network, has been installed and tested in a pilot plant. The control network has proven that it can supply a manufacturing environment, consisting of equipment from different vendors with different levels of automation, with a reliable, low cost, real-time communication facility

An investigation into the effects of computer integrated manufacturing systems in the productivity of SMEs in Pakistan

The current dynamic and turbulent manufacturing environment has forced companies that compete globally to change their traditional methods of conducting business [Producer to consumer]. Recent developments in manufacturing and business operations have lead to the adoption of Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) technologies that are based on systems and processes that support global competitiveness, especially for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Organizations and SMEs in particular need to re-evaluate every aspect of their manufacturing strategy and quickly move towards a CIM based environment where manufacturing technologies, business strategies and processes are integrated together. This paper highlights the development of a CIM adoption model that has resulted from empirical work generated from SMEs in Pakistan. The model consists of the parameters such as Top Management Support, System Integration, Marketing, and over all performance

Fabrication and characterization of nanostructured fluorine doped tin oxide thin film for dssc by hydrothermal method

Nanostructured Fluorine Doped Tin Oxide (FTO) thin film has been successfully synthesized on top of bare FTO layer substrates using hydrothermal method. The performance of FTO thin film including conductivity and transparency depend on the surface morphology and the properties of the material. Hydrothermal method has proven to be a very good method for the fabrication of novel metal oxides. Thus, a new nanostructured FTO thin film like nanorice has been fabricated using one step hydrothermal method. FTO nanorice thin films were obtained from the reaction of tin (iv) chloride (SnCl4), ammonium fluoride (NH4F), acetone, deionized water and hydrochloric acid (HCl). The compound was prepared in an autoclave at 150°C hydrothermal temperature for different reaction times of 5 hours, 10 hours, 15 hours, and 20 hours. FESEM studies on the surface morphologies of all the samples showed that nanorice structure had formed to fully cover the bare FTO substrate. Then, to further the optimization of FTO nanorice thin film, this research focused on studying the effect of hydrothermal temperature on FTO nanorice thin films. The experiments were conducted at 130°C, 140°C, 150°C, 160°C, and 170°C of hydrothermal temperature in constant reaction time of 10 hours. Basically, there were six properties studied; surface morphology, structural, element composition, thickness measurement, electrical and optical properties. At the end of this research, homogeneous FTO thin film has been successfully prepared. By controlling the reaction time and hydrothermal temperature, a transparent FTO film with beyond 85% percentage of transmittance was developed. The FTO thin film produced at 10 hour reaction time and 150°C of hydrothermal temperature time gave the low sheet resistance of 0.012 Ohm/sq with high transparency. The DSSC fabricated using the optimized FTO film gave higher efficiency of 2.77% compared to commercial FTO of 1.93%

A framework of justification criteria for advanced manufacturing technology implementation in small and medium enterprises

Today in order to stay in businesses and prosper, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are seeking higher electiveness and competitiveness across the entire cycle of marketing, product design, manufacture, test and sales. SMEs play an increasingly important role in all aspects of competitiveness: both products and production techniques, but also management methods, the organization of the firm and human resources training. One of the ways by which SMEs can achieve a competitive advantage in manufacturing is through the implementation of Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT). An increasing number of them have chosen and are choosing various levels of AMT as the solution. Realizing the importance of SMEs, an attempt has been made in this paper to review the application of AMT in SMEs. Also, a framework has been offered for the implementation of AMT in SMEs. Finally, a summary of findings and conclusions are presented

Software support for manufacturing operations in Belgian SMEs: one size fits all?

Manufacturing companies face a big challenge to bridge the gap between their business and manufacturing processes. The urge to increase efficiency makes it necessary to align the business and manufacturing processes. Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) experience several barriers to adopt software support for manufacturing operations. This paper gives an overview of a research study conducted in Belgian SMEs. The research studied the current adoption of software support for manufacturing operations and the barriers that SMEs experience to invest in this type of software. The study is concluded with a number of considerations to enable the adoption of software support for manufacturing operations by SMEs