Smart Manufacturing Concept in Shipbuilding Process with Related Optimization Issues and Strategies

Abstract

Smart manufacturing is mainly dealing with the collection of real time data using sensors and the data utilization to improve a system. In this study, important characteristics of smart manufacturing, which must be considered in shipbuilding are presented. Shipbuilding process itself consists of various complex operations, starting from the ship design until the delivery to customers. However, this paper only focuses on the production and control activities for the shipbuilding product. Some required smart technologies, such as augmented reality, big data, and smart sensors, are listed. Various optimization problems in shipbuilding process that utilizes the collected data are defined. In addition, strategies related with smart manufacturing concept, which are required to solve problems are addressed. Relations between the optimization problems and strategies are described, and expected increase in the company's productivity after the implementation of the smart manufacturing concept is discussed. In addition, suggestions for future researches are proposed.

A novel approach for planning of shipbuilding processes

“…Correspondingly, the main characteristics of shipbuilding projects are indicated as uncertainty, complexity, and uniqueness. Uncertainty is claimed to occur due to unexpected occurrences, also known as real-time events including disruptions in material supply, workforce, storage availability, and malfunction in production equipment [1], [2]. Complexity is asserted to emerge from the correlation of activities with each other, forming a network with many stakeholders involved.…”