Why Integrate?

There is a tendency to look at computer based solutions as inherently superior. This is an assumption that an engineer cannot afford to entertain. Some of the factors that justify an integrated system are listed below. a large organization where interdepartmental communication is a problem the need to monitor processes Things to Avoid when making a decision for integration and automation, - ignore impact on upstream and downstream operations - allow the system to become the driving force in strategy - believe the vendor will solve the problem - base decisions solely on financials - ignore employee input to the process - try to implement all at once (if possible) Justification of integration and automation, - consider BIG picture - determine key problems that must be solved - highlight areas that will be impacted in enterprise - determine kind of flexibility needed - determine what kind of integration to use - look at FMS impacts - consider implementation cost based on above Factors to consider in integration decision, - volume of product - previous experience of company with FMS - product mix - scheduling / production mixes - extent of information system usage in organization (eg. MRP) - use of CAD/CAM at the front end. - availability of process planning and process data * Process planning is only part of CIM, and cannot stand alone.

Why Automate?
Why ? - In many cases there are valid reasons for assisting humans - tedious work -- consistency required - dangerous - tasks are beyond normal human abilities (e.g., weight, time, size, etc) - economics When? Advantages of Automated Manufacturing, - improved work flow - reduced handling - simplification of production - reduced lead time - increased moral in workers (after a wise implementation) - more responsive to quality, and other problems

- etc. Various measures of flexibility, - Able to deal with slightly, or greatly mixed parts. - Variations allowed in parts mix - Routing flexibility to alternate machines - Volume flexibility - Design change flexibility

Reasons for Automating 1. To increase labor productivity 2. To reduce labor cost 3. To mitigate the effects of labor shortages 4. To reduce or remove routine manual and clerical tasks 5. To improve worker safety 6. To improve product quality 7. To reduce manufacturing lead time 8. To accomplish what cannot be done manually 9. To avoid the high cost of not automating

Automation Principle 1. Understand the existing process Input/output analysis Value chain analysis Charting techniques and mathematical modeling 2. Simplify the process Reduce unnecessary steps and moves 3. Automate the process Ten strategies for automation and production systems Automation migration strategy

Automation Strategies 1. Specialization of operations 2. Combined operations 3. Simultaneous operations 4. Integration of operations 5. Increased flexibility 6. Improved material handling and storage 7. On-line inspection 8. Process control and optimization 9. Plant operations control 10. Computer-integrated manufacturing