A Multivariate Quality Control Approach for Automated Manufacturing Systems

In today\u27s competitive manufacturing environment, effective and practical statistical quality control approaches are essential. A successful process control approach needs to provide on line real time monitoring of quality related characteristics. No longer acceptable is an approach that analyzes quality related data only after the product is produced. A statistical process control approach that monitors the process during production and that reports trouble spots before bad products are made is necessary in an automated manufacturing environment. An automated manufacturing environment is characterized by high volume production runs and short production cycles. Traditional statistical process control approaches are not capable of dealing with these challenges and cannot keep up with the pace of automated manufacturing. In this research, a statistical process control approach for automated manufacturing systems is developed. The research demonstrates and evaluates a multivariate cumulative sum control scheme (CUSUM) to a set of standardized data collected from an actual production line. Results indicate that the statistical process control approach developed is able to detect small variations in the process quickly and effectively. Furthermore, the approach is capable of monitoring several quality characteristics simultaneously in real time. Quality control for short production runs is also addressed in this research

Utilizing automation to reduce setup and changeover time in a Just-In-Time environment : an empirical study

Includes bibliographical references.The purpose of this research is to examine the effects of automation on setup and changeover times associated with the Just-in- Time environment. Several automation methods will be evaluated to determine if there are statistical differences between firms that implement automation techniques and firms that do not.B.S. (Bachelor of Science

A real-time information system for multivariate statistical process control

Statistical process control (SPC) is widely used in process industries to monitor variations in process attributes. Typically, automatic devices capture a multitude of measurements on process and product characteristics every few seconds. Operators and engineers commonly monitor only a small subset of these. Multivariate SPC has been proposed to fully utilize the available data, however, interpretation of multivariate information is often too complex for most line operators. This paper describes the design and implementation of a real-time multivariate process control system that features a graphical user interface (GUI) and provides useful information for both line operators and engineers. The information system described in this paper should provide large-scale manufacturers with better access to information for identifying opportunities in continuing to improve processes performance and business competitiveness

Computer integrated manufacturing in the chemical industry: Theory & practice

This paper addresses the possibilities of implementing Computer Integrated Manufacturing in the process industry, and the chemical industry in particular. After presenting some distinct differences of the process industry in relation to discrete manufacturing, a number of focal points are discussed. They identify the adaptations to be made to a conventional CIM system, so that it will be applicable to the process industry. Interviews with managers of six chemical firms indicate that the process industry may benefit from a new CIM approach to management thinking.Chemical Industry;Manufacturing;CIM;production

Deep Space Network information system architecture study

The purpose of this article is to describe an architecture for the Deep Space Network (DSN) information system in the years 2000-2010 and to provide guidelines for its evolution during the 1990s. The study scope is defined to be from the front-end areas at the antennas to the end users (spacecraft teams, principal investigators, archival storage systems, and non-NASA partners). The architectural vision provides guidance for major DSN implementation efforts during the next decade. A strong motivation for the study is an expected dramatic improvement in information-systems technologies, such as the following: computer processing, automation technology (including knowledge-based systems), networking and data transport, software and hardware engineering, and human-interface technology. The proposed Ground Information System has the following major features: unified architecture from the front-end area to the end user; open-systems standards to achieve interoperability; DSN production of level 0 data; delivery of level 0 data from the Deep Space Communications Complex, if desired; dedicated telemetry processors for each receiver; security against unauthorized access and errors; and highly automated monitor and control

Improving producibility in aerospace engine manufacturing : process automation vs. process reengineering

Thesis (M.B.A.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management; and, (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering; in conjunction with the Leaders for Manufacturing Program at MIT, 2008.Includes bibliographical references (p. 43).In any aerospace manufacturing operation, including Pratt & Whitney's Compression Systems Module Center, producibility problems can be major drivers of cost. Much of the literature focuses on design for manufacturability as a solution to producibility problems. While this is a valuable approach, this study focuses on manufacturing process improvement as a solution to producibility issues. Two methods of process improvement are discussed, process automation and process reengineering. This thesis first surveys some of the major producibility problems at Pratt & Whitney's Compression Systems Module Center, as well as some of the efforts underway to address them. One of the largest issues, operator data input errors, is described in detail as a case study. Wireless gauging with automatic offset adjustment is proposed as a focused technological solution to this issue. As part of this study, funding has been obtained to implement the solution and testing has been conducted. This is an example of process automation. However, a broader process reengineering effort is also proposed. The fundamental question of why producibility problems tend to persist is also examined.by Daniel Hoopes.S.M.M.B.A

The implementation of ERP systems in Iranian manufacturing SMEs

The quest to implement Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software to support all main business functions has been actively pursued by in-house IT departments, software vendors and third party consultancies for over three decades. It remains a key element of many companies’ information systems strategy in the developed world, and increasingly, in the developing world. In the specific context of Iranian SMEs, there has been relatively little research on information systems in general, and very little specifically on ERP systems projects. This paper attempts to help address this dearth in the existing literature by examining three case studies of ERP systems deployment in Iranian manufacturing SMEs. It investigates the underlying information systems strategies and examines how this has been implemented in the core process areas of these companies. The analysis is based on a conceptual model that combines defined implementation phases with change dimensions and elements, which provide the basis for the development of an implementation framework for subsequent ERP projects in this business and technology environment

Statistical process control for high precision deep drawn sheet metal parts

In today\u27s world, industrial expertise has come to be judged in terms of the quality of the product. Good quality has become the ultimate aim in a manufacturing environment, which leads to many innovations for ease in the inspection of parts. In considering a metal working company like Hudson Tool & Die Company, a study of the various operations and the application of Statistical Process Control to the forming operations is performed using STORM software. Important characteristics have been carefully studied with regards to metal forming like uniform metal thickness, radius of the bend, depth of the drawing operation. In-depth analysis was performed on the pattern, and the cause of the variations. Various control charts such as average chart, range chart and p chart were obtained and different processes were studied. Computer aided quality control is fast becoming a standard in the manufacturing world. Non-contact gaging, coordinate measuring machines, and automatic conversion of the data into useful information are noteworthy and hence have been mentioned