An uncertainty management framework to support model-based definition and enterprise

In pursuit of industrial digitalisation, the manufacturing industry is going through a transformation in the methods for product definition from the traditional two-dimensional drawing to three-dimensional digital model known as the model-based definition (MBD). The real benefit of this digitalisation lies in the adoption of model-based definition across all stages of the product lifecycles throughout the enterprise and its supply chain which is termed as model-based enterprise (MBE). However, the current application of this technology is partial, due to the involvement of several associated uncertainties. This paper proposes a novel framework for the management of uncertainties in the adoption of the model-based definition and presents a system in support of the proposed framework. The development commenced with the collaboration of two major aerospace industries. The framework comprises five phases including the preliminary phase, identification, assessment, analysis, and response phase. A systematic process is followed in developing the framework while Numeral, Spread, Assessment, and Pedigree (NUSAP), and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) are used in the assessment of uncertainties. The developed system consists of a user interface, a database of uncertainties, an assessment module, an analysis and prioritisation module, and a knowledge base of mitigation strategies for key uncertainties. The system facilitates the analyst to select the relevant uncertainties from a defined list, systematically assess and analyse each of the uncertainty and obtain recommendations for mitigation of the prioritised uncertainties in the project. The framework and the developed system were validated through expert interviews with two world-class aerospace companies. This system facilitates identifying the various types of uncertainties of MBD, quantifying their impact on the project rationally, and formulating a suitable management strategy for achieving the status of a model-based enterprise

An Ontology for Product-Service Systems

Industries are transforming their business strategy from a product-centric to a more service-centric nature by bundling products and services into integrated solutions to enhance the relationship between their customers. Since Product- Service Systems design research is currently at a rudimentary stage, the development of a robust ontology for this area would be helpful. The advantages of a standardized ontology are that it could help researchers and practitioners to communicate their views without ambiguity and thus encourage the conception and implementation of useful methods and tools. In this paper, an initial structure of a PSS ontology from the design perspective is proposed and evaluated

Towards a definition of PLM-integrated dimensional measurement

Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) enables knowledge about products to be captured and reused. Since dimensional measurement is used to determine the size and shape of the products about which PLM is centered, we contend that it is an important process to integrate. Building on emerging industry-accepted standards, a framework was developed in an effort to define what integrating dimensional measurement with PLM involves. Following a survey of the state-of-the-art against this framework and a critical review, technology gaps are identified, and key challenges and research priorities are highlighted. © 2013 The Authors

Future-proofing the through-life engineering service systems

Future-proofing through-life engineering service systems (TESS) is crucial for ensuring their reliable, long and economical whole lives. The TESS are typically composed of high value industrial products and engineering services organised around them. Future-proofing can broadly be achieved by enabling disruption and change management capabilities. However, understanding of TESS future-proofing is limited, which is also important due to the recent industry 4.0 advancements. This paper contributes by presenting (1) a concept of TESS future-proofing, (2) a framework of TESS future-proofing, and (3) examples of the framework application at: (i) management level via change prediction method (CPM), and (ii) operational level via industrial augmented reality (AR)

Ground Processing Affordability for Space Vehicles

Launch vehicles and most of their payloads spend the majority of their time on the ground. The cost of ground operations is very high. So, why so often is so little attention given to ground processing during development? The current global space industry and economic environment are driving more need for efficiencies to save time and money. Affordability and sustainability are more important now than ever. We can not continue to treat space vehicles as mere science projects. More RLV's (Reusable Launch Vehicles) are being developed for the gains of reusability which are not available for ELV's (Expendable Launch Vehicles). More human-rated vehicles are being developed, with the retirement of the Space Shuttles, and for a new global space race, yet these cost more than the many unmanned vehicles of today. We can learn many lessons on affordability from RLV's. DFO (Design for Operations) considers ground operations during design, development, and manufacturing-before the first flight. This is often minimized for space vehicles, but is very important. Vehicles are designed for launch and mission operations. You will not be able to do it again if it is too slow or costly to get there. Many times, technology changes faster than space products such that what is launched includes outdated features, thus reducing competitiveness. Ground operations must be considered for the full product Lifecycle, from concept to retirement. Once manufactured, launch vehicles along with their payloads and launch systems require a long path of processing before launch. Initial assembly and testing always discover problems to address. A solid integration program is essential to minimize these impacts, as was seen in the Constellation Ares I-X test rocket. For RLV's, landing/recovery and post-flight turnaround activities are performed. Multi-use vehicles require reconfiguration. MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) must be well-planned--- even for the unplanned problems. Defect limits and standard repairs need to be in-place as well as easily added. Many routine inspections and maintenance can be like an aircraft overhaul. Modifications and technology upgrades should be expected. Another factor affecting ground operations efficiency is trending. It is essential for RLV's, and also useful for ELV's which fly the same or similar models again. Good data analysis of technical and processing performance will determine fixes and improvements needed for safety, design, and future processing. Collecting such data on new or low-frequency vehicles is a challenge. Lessons can be learned from the Space Shuttle, or even the Concorde aircraft. For all of the above topics, efficient business systems must be established for comprehensive program management and good throughput. Drawings, specifications, and manuals for an entire launch vehicle are often in different formats from multiple vendors, plus they have proprietary constraints. Nonetheless, the integration team must ensure that all data needed is compatible and visible to each appropriate team member. Ground processing systems for scheduling, tracking, problem resolution, etc. must be well laid-out. The balance between COTS (commercial off the shelf) and custom software is difficult. Multiple customers, vendors, launch sites, and landing sites add to the complexity of efficient IT (Information Technology) tools

Investigation into current industrial practices relating to product lifecycle management in a multi-national manufacturing company

Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems have gained growing acceptance for managing all information relating to products throughout their full lifecycle, from idea conceptualisation through operations to servicing and disposal. This paper, through an in-depth exploratory study into a leading power generation manufacturing organisation, presents current PLM issues experienced by manufacturing companies, exploring three separate topics: 1) PLM, 2) Knowledge Management and Lessons Learnt and 3) Product Servicing and Maintenance. Following a review of published literature, results of the investigation are presented, analysing the responses of 17 employees interviewed. With respect to Product Development, it was found that information traceability is time consuming and change management requests take too long to complete. Results relating to knowledge management indicate that the Company operates a ‘who you know’ culture, but do aim to capture lessons learned on the manufacturing shop floor and assembly lines. Therefore, a prototype design is proposed to integrate the capturing of lessons learnt within the existing PLM system

The Effect of Chemical Regulations on the Aerospace and Defence Industries

The motivation for this research stems from the author working within the Aerospace and Defence (AD) sector for nearly 19 years. It was during the development phase of IPC-1754 data exchange standard, the author, came to the firm belief, that whilst AD supply chain actors would begin to share data in a harmonised format via the IPC-1754 data exchange standard, there was a clear lack of understanding amongst several AD supply chain actors on how to collate, analyse, assess, and report internal data in a consistent manner. The main aim of this research is: To develop a conceptual framework enabling identification of articles (products) potentially at risk from chemical regulations supporting decision making processes for AD organisations

An uncertainty management framework to support model-based definition and enterprise

In pursuit of industrial digitalisation, the manufacturing industry is going through a transformation in the methods for product definition from the traditional two-dimensional drawing to three-dimensional digital model known as the model-based definition (MBD). The real benefit of this digitalisation lies in the adoption of model-based definition across all stages of the product lifecycles throughout the enterprise and its supply chain which is termed as model-based enterprise (MBE). However, the current application of this technology is partial, due to the involvement of several associated uncertainties. This paper proposes a novel framework for the management of uncertainties in the adoption of the model-based definition and presents a system in support of the proposed framework. The development commenced with the collaboration of two major aerospace industries. The framework comprises five phases including the preliminary phase, identification, assessment, analysis, and response phase. A systematic process is followed in developing the framework while Numeral, Spread, Assessment, and Pedigree (NUSAP), and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) are used in the assessment of uncertainties. The developed system consists of a user interface, a database of uncertainties, an assessment module, an analysis and prioritisation module, and a knowledge base of mitigation strategies for key uncertainties. The system facilitates the analyst to select the relevant uncertainties from a defined list, systematically assess and analyse each of the uncertainty and obtain recommendations for mitigation of the prioritised uncertainties in the project. The framework and the developed system were validated through expert interviews with two world-class aerospace companies. This system facilitates identifying the various types of uncertainties of MBD, quantifying their impact on the project rationally, and formulating a suitable management strategy for achieving the status of a model-based enterprise.Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan and Cranfield University

Quality management approach of product data models for shipbuilding

A quality management approach to manage the quality of ship product model data is discussed. It aims to improve and to automate product data model control to make the design and production processes more reliable. This approach is supporting an efficient correction of decient structural designs under visual guidance towards the identied problems. Two international standards ISO STEP-59 and ISO/PAS 26183:2006 are utilized in this thesis

An Investigation into the Data Collection Process for the Development of Cost Models

This thesis is the result of many years of research in the field of manufacturing cost modelling. It particularly focuses on the Data Collection Process for the development of manufacturing cost models in the UK Aerospace Industry with no less important contributions from other areas such as construction, process and software development. The importance of adopting an effective model development process is discussed and a new CMD Methodology is proposed. In this respect, little research has considered the development of the cost model from the point of view of a standard and systematic Methodology, which is essential if an optimum process is to be achieved. A Model Scoping 3 Framework, a functional Data Source and Data Collection Library and a referential Data Type Library are the core elements of the proposed Cost Model Development Methodology. The research identified a number of individual data collection methods, along with a comprehensive list of data sources and data types, from which essential data for developing cost models could be collected. A Taxonomy based upon sets of generic characteristics for describing the individual data collection, data sources and data types was developed. The methods, tools and techniques were identified and categorised according to these generic characteristics. This provides information for selecting between alternative methods, tools and techniques. The need to perform frequent iterations of data collection, data identification, data analysis and decision making tasks until an acceptable cost model has been developed has become an inherent feature of the CMDP. It is expected that the proposed model scoping framework will assist cost engineering and estimating practitioners in: defining the features, activities of the process and the attributes of the product for which a cost model is required, and also in identifying the cost model characteristics before the tasks of data identification and collection start. It offers a structured way of looking at the relationship between data sources, cost model characteristics and data collection tools and procedures. The aim was to make the planning process for developing cost models more effective and efficient and consequently reduce the time to generate cost models