Development and operation of a flexible manufacturing system using structured techniques

Abstract

A flexible manufacturing system (FMS), is a complex association of computer-controlled equipment, automated material handling systems, computer control software, and people. The development of such an association can be elaborate, requiring experts from a number of functional disciplines which, when brought together, must operate as a fully integrated, design group. This group, if it is to cope with the many operational as well as organizational difficulties that arise, must be supported by tools and methodologies that can reduce the effects of these difficulties and make the whole design process more effective. This paper deals with the development and operation of FMS from the perspective of an FMS user who is involved in designing and implementing such a complex system. The paper looks first at development issues around the implementation of complex projects such as an FMS. It examines the structure of the project team, tools to be used in preparing specifications, and finally the stages for project implementation and control. It then looks at the operation of a typical FMS. It examines the input, output, and functions of a FMS and takes a view of the internal architecture of the FMS controller.

Notes

DAVID OSULLIVAN is a Senior Research Engineer at the CIM Research Unit (CIMRU) at University College, Galway. Mr OSullivan has been working with CIMRU for the past four years on the application of modern techniques to manufacturing systems design, and in particular, the development and installation of new manufacturing systems in national and multinational industries. One of his most recent projects has involved the development and installation of a large sheet metal flexible manufacturing system for a multinational corporation. Before joining CIMRU, Mr OSullivan worked for four years as a Design Engineer responsible for the mechanical and electrical design of automated guided vehicle systems. One of his projects then, included the specification and prototyping of a mobile robot for tool management in unmanned factory environments. His areas of interest currently include systems development methodologies incorporating both social as well as technical integration. He is at present working on the development of a new systems development methodology for use by manufacturing project groups. His plans in the near future are to publish his ideas on this methodology which attempts to synthesize a large number of already existing methodologies in the fields of systems theory, social systems design, structured methodologies, and systems architectures.