A manufacturing feature can be defined simply as a geometric shape and its manufacturing information to create the shape. For the generation of process plans in a manufacturing feature-based process planning system, it is necessary to develop a manufacturing feature library that consists of predefined manufacturing features and the manufacturing information to create the shape of the features. ...

Flexibility will be one of the key features in future manufacturing systems because the environments that surround manufacturing systems are rapidly changing from day to day. To satisfy this requirement, the hierarchical systems used in previous manufacturing systems are not enough because they cannot deal effectively with unexpected situations. Moreover, a lot of software modules have to be mo...

Manufacturing execution system (MES) is a computer application system that integrates all relevant real-time information along every step in a manufacturing process. MES is essential for manufacturers for gathering real-time production line information, supporting manufacturing decision making and increasing manufacturing efficiency. MES is a must for operation control and lot tracking in the s...

Among all kinds of possible faults in a manufacturing system, operational faults occur most often (about 70%). Efficient diagnosis of these faults is critical for improving the availability and productivity of the manufacturing system. This paper presents a hierarchical diagnosis model based on fault tree analysis and two other diagnosis models respectively based on the logic and sequential con...

Lean manufacturing is a systematic approach to identifying and eliminating wastes (non-value added activities) through continuous improvement by conveying the product at the pull of the customer in pursuit of production. In a more basic term, more value with less work. Since lean manufacturing eliminates many of the problems associated with poor production scheduling and line balancing, lean ma...

A flexible manufacturing system (FMS) can offer important advantages in terms of more efficient production, shorter throughput times, lower stocks and a higher quality of work. To realize these advantages, a well designed manufacturing planning and control system (MPCS) is a key condition. In practical cases, these planning and control systems are often based on a hierarchical decision structur...

Manufacturing systems are experiencing several trends which are increasing the importance of the control system as a component of the overall manufacturing system. Among these trends are increased levels of automation, increasing differentiation and customization of products, and increased demands on system performance. A control system must coordinate the various activities of a manufacturing ...