Production Systems

1. Fixed Automation

   Nota:

   • The sequence of processing and assembly operations is fixed by equipment configuration. (suitable for very high production volumes)
2. Programmable Automation

   Nota:

   • The production equipment is designed with the capability to change the sequence of operations to accommodate different product configurations. (suitable for low to medium volume production rates) High investment in general purpose equipment Lower production rates than fixed automation flexible systems Suitable for batch production
3. Flexible Automation

   Nota:

   • capable of producing a variety of parts with virtually no lost time for changeovers medium production rates continuous production of various mixtures of products high investment for custom engineered equipment

Nota:

• Deals with problem of monitoring the product as it is processed, assembled, moved and inspected in the factory. Is concerned with work-in-process inventory (WIP)

Nota:

• Attempts to strike a balance between the risk of having too little inventory and the carrying cost of too much inventory

1. Six Sigma
2. Statistical Process Control

Nota:

• Determining the sequence of individual processing and assembly operations required to produce a part. Owner: Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering Departments