Teaching Manufacturing Systems Integration through Data Modelling and Network Exchange Simulation

Abstract

This work outlines an approach for teaching the concepts and practicalities of manufacturing systems integration to mechanical engineers. The approach taken is that of data or soft integration. The aim is to achieve ‘minimalist’ integration among six computer-based manufacturing system areas: design, production planning, process planning, material control, shopfloor scheduling and control, and quality assurance. Reference models describing the data exchange between these areas are given. Data flow and concurrency, the formulation of queries and composition of answers between applications are discussed based on an implementation of data models as a relational database system. The data refer to a bicycle-making company and serve as a realistic basis for experimenting with the realities of designing and putting in operation an integrated manufacturing system.