Approaches for planning and operation of adaptable factories

Abstract

Adaptability is currently one of the most challenging research topics. The Department of Factory Planning and Factory Management of Chemnitz University of Technology developed the Experimental and Digital Factory in which building blocks for adaptable factory systems are integrated. Hence, a powerful model factory is available for research on adaptability. The focus among others is on the continuous interaction between factory planning and factory operation. This includes an extensive interchange and processing of information between the virtual and the real factory. The rapid implementation and verification of planning results in the real environment is enabled by holistic application and integration of different methods and tools of the Digital Factory. The paper explains a concept for adaptable factory systems and the interplay of planning and operation. The approaches are demonstrated on the use case of combined planning of layout and logistics with subsequent realisation.

Network-based factory planning for small and medium-sized enterprises

“…Figure 2 shows a selection of factors that drive the discrepancy between status quo and transformed requirements that need to be met by the factory, respectively its planning (Ackermann et al 2013;Hawer et al 2017;Schenk, Wirth, and M€ uller 2010;Wiendahl, Reichardt, and Nyhuis 2015). These change factors can be divided in internal and external impulses.…”

“…At the same time, companies underlie multiple change factors. Shortening of product lifecycles, dynamism of markets, cost pressure and digitisation are only a few challenges to face (Ackermann et al 2013;Jeon and Kim 2016). Besides these external impulses, the management imposes internal requirements such as operational efficiency and adaptability of production systems to new product variants (Schuh, Kampker, and Wesch-Potente 2011).…”

Modular, building blocks — Based approach for information and documentation management in planning projects

“…Those concepts are based on building blocks for planning procedures and methods which are related to a particular object area and/or planning task [16,17,18]. However, although this is a promising approach, the management of information and knowledge, documentation as well as the integration to consistent processes in planning projects are still lacking.…”

Outline of a Methodic Realization of Construction Kits for Changeable Production Systems

“…Realizing changeability on production system level is subject of a variety of publication (e.g. [3]- [5]). Its huge complexity combined with its impact on productivity makes this level highly attractive for investigation.…”