Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / As small manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) grow, the complexity of their manufacturing operations are likely to increase to a point where they can benefit from manufacturing specific information systems, such as a manufacturing execution system (MES), to manage the complexity of their operating environment. Unfortunately, the capital expense required to implement an MES may prohibit smaller enterprises from adopting this potentially advantageous technology. Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) is a developing delivery channel that promises to realise the same economies of scales of large software implementations by hosting software centrally and allowing access by multiple customers through the internet. This delivery model promises, amongst its many benefits, access to advanced software at a subscription based fee, which reduces its capital expense and makes it affordable to smaller enterprises. The purpose of this study is to identify factors that would influence the adoption of SaaS based MESs in South-African manufacturing SMEs. A literature survey was conducted to understand the characteristics of SaaS, the functionality and benefits that can be derived from an MES and the characteristics of SMEs that differentiate them from larger organisations. Instruments were identified which can be used to assess the propensity of SMEs to adopt new technology. An internet survey of South-African manufacturing SMEs was conducted to determine their perceptions and beliefs regarding SaaS and MES, and their intent to implement licensed or SaaS based MES within the next 12 months. The survey results were analysed to determine which beliefs were the most influential in determining an SME’s intention to adopt an MES and particularly which beliefs bias their decision towards either a licensed or a SaaS based MES implementation. The perceived benefits of an MES were found to be the most significant factor in driving the intent to adopt an MES. It was found that some beliefs regarding SaaS and licensing may influence the choice of delivery channel, and the perceptions of industry peers and customers were also found to influence the decision to adopt either a licensed or a SaaS based MES. A simple screening of input variables was effective in improving the predictive ability of the research model. While a full set of variables was able to explain 9.4% of the variation in the intent to adopt MES, a screened set of variables was able explain 15.5%. Further improvement in screening techniques could further improve the predictive power of the model. Since the model was only able to explain around 15.5% of the variation in the intent to adopt an MES, it is likely that there may be other significant factors that drive the intention to adopt an MES that are not covered in this study. These could include personal attitudes of the owner that are independent of the enterprise itself.

Today's manufacturing environment is characterized by competition and continuous change in product and process requirements. The concept of "design for manufacturability" integrates product specifications with manufacturing capabilities by considering the design and manufacturing phases as an integrated system, evaluating the combined system during the design phase of a product , and adjusting the design for maximum efficiency and production economics. This research focuses on one aspect of design for manufacturability, that of process technology evaluation for a specified product design. The objective of the proposed system developed in this study is to evaluate technology alternatives for manufacturing a specified part design and to identify the best combination of product-process characteristics that would minimize production costs within the constraints set by the product's functional requirements and available processing technology. The research objectives are accomplished by developing a simulation based analysis system. The user inputs product specifications through structural screens. The system maintains data bases of work and tool materials, and machining operations. Based on user input, the system then extracts appropriate information from these data bases, and analyzes of the production system in terms of production economics, and other operational measures such as throughput times and work-in-process inventories. Sensitivity analysis may then be performed to explore tradeoffs in design and production parameters. The system is completely integrated, and a user with no prior experience of either simulation or data base technology can use the system effectively. / Graduation date: 1992

This thesis explores new ways to integrate manufacturing processes information in to design phases. Through the use of design for manufacturing (DfM) concept, and looking at relations between its potential application in architectural production and its implementation using digital manufacturing technologies, the author implemented a DfM model that varies from previous models by incorporated learning in the process. This process was based on the incremental development and refinement of design heuristics and metrics. The DfM model developed in this research is a process model to be implemented as a framework within educational settings. The proposed model is based in two basic strategies; first a process description in the form of alternative design strategies; and second, the implementation of design heuristics and design metrics. Subsequently, the author tested and refined the model using a sequence of case studies with students. In the final stage, the research evaluated and further developed the DfM model in a component design case study. The general purpose in performing this case studies sequence was to test the proposed DfM model. The second objective was to refine the DfM model by capturing knowledge from the case studies. As a summary, this research conceptualizes from this top-down development approach to create a design for manufacturing model that integrates design and construction in architecture, based on three possible applications fields; DfM teaching approaches development, design processes improvement; and DfM methods development. The final purpose is to provide better foundational constructs for architectural education and to improve teaching approaches that integrate design and manufacturing.

Thesis (M.S.)--State University of New York at Binghamton, Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science, Department of Systems Science and Industrial Engineering, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references.

Advanced material handling systems' impact on flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) have increased the efficiency and work rate over conventional manufacturing assemblies. The interaction of automated guided vehicles (AGVs), roller conveyors and conveyor belts with robots and machine tools forms highly sophisticated assembly operations. Whilst material handling in FMS today is conventionally used to transport assembly units from one work station to another, it does not take an active role in the manufacturing process. With manufacturers implementing more advanced manufacturing principles to perform agile manufacturing, there is a growing need to implement "smarter" material handling systems that would perform essential, integral roles in the assembly process. This research outlines the development of a cordless linear synchronous motor (CLSM) material handling system. The CLSM incorporates a permanent magnet courier that moves without tether restrictions on an integrated reverse air bearing system which eliminates friction. The CLSM provides a material handling system with enhanced travel, flexibility and accuracy. The CLSM material handling system is designed to integrate with overhead manipulators and part feeders to form a comprehensive flexible manufacturing system. This research covers the 2-D finite element modeling (FEM) used to determine the CLSM's optimal parameters. The development of the motor windings design and construction, together with the control system for the CLSM, is also covered. The CLSM novel air bearing system is outlined and compared to other conventional linear bearing systems. The possible impact of the CLSM on current manufacturing systems is explored to determine the validity of the research project and possible further research opportunities. / Thesis (M.Sc.Eng)-University of Natal, Durban, 2000.

No description available.

Universiẗat, Diss., 2006--Saarbrücken.

Orientador: Oswaldo Luiz Agostinho / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Mecânica / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-18T20:24:28Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Perroni_IsaMariadaPenhaMadeira_M.pdf: 6601142 bytes, checksum: 9f1164593c8b5ceacb9522a30fb09f68 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011 / Resumo: As organizações reconhecem que a integração intra e inter sistemas de manufatura é fundamental para manter-se não apenas competitivo, mas à frente da concorrência. O Sistema de manufatura pode ser visto como o conjunto de relações entre as atividades de Engenharia, Chão de Fábrica, Negócios e Suporte e suas sub atividades e, a sua Integração, entendida como o fluxo sinérgico de informação, pode ser alcançada ao se aplicar recursos de automação. Uma forma de analisar esta integração é através de Índices de Automação. O presente trabalho propõe o desenvolvimento de um modelo para análise de integração da cadeia de suprimentos baseado em índices de automação e para isto, considera a relação entre os sistemas de manufatura da empresa foco e seus primeiro nível de fornecedores. São apresentadas nove arquiteturas, divididas entre arquiteturas com capacidade de integração e arquiteturas sem capacidade de integração entre fornecedor e empresa. A aplicação do modelo de integração da cadeia de suprimento foi em uma Empresa foco do ramo de máquinas e implementos agrícolas e em três fornecedores primários, utilizando um questionário estruturado em 12 questões de múltipla escolha, referentes ao grau de automação das sub atividades de cada sistema de manufatura. A relação de integração da cadeia de suprimentos estudada se enquadra na arquitetura na qual a empresa foco não apresenta integração estrutural no sistema de manufatura e o primeiro nível de fornecedores apresenta integração estrutural das atividades no sistema de manufatura. Na conclusão, são propostas alternativas de integração para a cadeia de suprimentos e sugeridos trabalhos futuros / Abstract: The organizations recognize that integration within and between manufacturing systems is critical to maintain itself not only competitive, but ahead of the competition. The manufacturing system can be viewed as the set of relations between the activities of Engineering, Floor Factory, Business and Support and its sub-activities and their Integration, understood as the flow of synergistic information can be achieved by applying resources automation. A qualitative way to analyze this integration is through indices Automation. This paper proposes the development of a model for analysis of supply chain integration based on levels of automation and for this, consider the relationship between the manufacturing systems of the main company and its suppliers. Nine architectures are presented, divided in architectures with capability of integration between supplier and company and architectures without capability of integration between supplier and company. The application of the model of the supply chain integration will be in a main company of the field of agricultural machinery and implements and in three primary suppliers, using a questionnaire structured in 12 multiple choice questions, regarding to automation degree of the sub-activities of each manufacturing system. The relationship of integration of the studied supply chain fits in the architecture in which the main company has no structural integration in the manufacturing system and the supplier presents the structural integration of activities in the manufacturing system. In the conclusion, integration alternative for the supply chain are proposed and it is suggested future works / Mestrado / Materiais e Processos de Fabricação / Mestre em Engenharia Mecânica

Computer aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) has been a focal research area for the manufacturing industry. Genuine CAD/CAM integration is necessary to make products of higher quality with lower cost and shorter lead times. Although CAD and CAM have been extensively used in industry, effective CAD/CAM integration has not been implemented. The major obstacles of CAD/CAM integration are the representation of design and process knowledge and the adaptive ability of computer aided process planning (CAPP). This research is aimed to develop a feature-based CAD/CAM integration methodology. Artificial intelligent techniques such as neural networks, heuristic algorithms, genetic algorithms and fuzzy logics are used to tackle problems. The activities considered include: 1) Component design based on a number of standard feature classes with validity check. A feature classification for machining application is defined adopting ISO 10303-STEP AP224 from a multi-viewpoint of design and manufacture. 2) Search of interacting features and identification of features relationships. A heuristic algorithm has been proposed in order to resolve interacting features. The algorithm analyses the interacting entity between each feature pair, making the process simpler and more efficient. 3) Recognition of new features formed by interacting features. A novel neural network-based technique for feature recognition has been designed, which solves the problems of ambiguity and overlaps. 4) Production of a feature based model for the component. 5) Generation of a suitable process plan covering selection of machining operations, grouping of machining operations and process sequencing. A hybrid feature-based CAPP has been developed using neural network, genetic algorithm and fuzzy evaluating techniques.

M.Ing. / This thesis presents the concept of remote (Internet) data acquisition and processing for control of EDM parameters. It incorporates aspects of data analysis while performing diagnosis of process behavior. A working neuro-macro model of the EDM process is utilized for process correlation and diagnosis recommendations. The approach allows selective ways to vary the EDM process performance. The focus in this work is on the process efficiency. The process efficiency is related to the input parameters through the neuro-macro model of the EDM process. A comprehensive description of on-line monitoring and processing of data is included. Experimental results based on the suggested analysis and diagnosis for possible process adaptation particularly with respect to the EDM process efficiency is presented.