Materials Science Forum Vols. 532-533

Abstract: By analyzing the trend of MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems), the concept of RMES (Reconfigurable Manufacturing Execution Systems) is put forward, which takes information integration as groundwork, aims at optimization of production processes and supports organizations, resources and processes for flexible conFig.. MDA (Model-driven Architecture) is introduced to provide more flexible in the process of the development of RMES, which would adapt to different technology used by the bottom systems and provide a more effective method to build RMES. During the development of RMES, many models are created, such as the model of business analysis, the model of components and the model of deployment. An instance of the system of plan, part of RMES, is presented to show how MDA used in the process of the development of RMES. Later, an application is given to show that RMES based on MDA can decrease the costs of development and maintenance for fitting the evolution of the enterprise.

Abstract: Through the comparative analysis, the features of the mass customization assembly line are obtained. The corresponding genetic algorithm is designed with the total idle time and overloading time of the minimized assembly line as the target function, which is used to resolve the distribution problems of the operation elements in mass customization assembly line. The improved genetic operators can heighten the overall optimal solution ability of genetic algorithm convergence. The calculated examples indicate that this algorithm is the effective method for seeking out solution to the problems of operation elements in the mass customization assembly line.

Abstract: This paper constructs the organization model of manufacture information resource (MIR) using the granularity structure (GS) analysis method. Based on the model, the expression technique of MIR based on metadata and the coding realization technique are analyzed. MIR expression mode achieves flexibility unification using the object-oriented (O-O) coding structure solution. The result proves that the technique of analyzing and coding to MIR based on GS has provided an effective method to standardize the MIR organization under the development mode of product life cycle (PLC).

Abstract: The job shop scheduling problem is an NP-hard problem and conveniently formulated as Constraint Satisfaction Problem (CSP). Research in CSP has produced variable and value ordering heuristics techniques that can help improve the efficiency of the basic backtrack search procedure. However, the popular variable and value ordering heuristics play poor in solving the large-scale job shop scheduling problem. In this paper, a new probabilistic model of the search space was introduced which allows to estimate the reliance of an operation on the availability of a reservation, and the degree of contention among unscheduled operations for the possession of a resource over some time interval. Based on this probabilistic model, new operation and reservation ordering heuristics were defined. new operation ordering heuristic selects the operation that relies most on the most contended resource/time interval, and new reservation ordering heuristic assigns to that operation the reservation which is expected to be compatible with the largest number of survivable job schedules. Computer simulations indicate that this new algorithm yields a optimal result of FT10 benchmark job shop scheduling problem under small time cost.

Abstract: In this paper, a new pattern of software design was put forward by the research of traditional design pattern, which is based on configuration conception to design software. The application of configuration conception in some software system was discussed in detail.

Abstract: Logistics information system (LIS) is becoming important as it provides efficient and effective logistics management that aims to reduce cost and cycle time for its customers on the supply chain. In view of the stringent competition, it is necessary for these systems to facilitate not only the processes of the logistics service providers but also the operations of the supply chain participants in order to support the outbound logistics effectively. In this study, a logistics information hub, Integrated Logistics Information Management System (ILIMS), is presented to suit this need. It not only provides the third party logistics (3PL) service providers a uniform way to do business with trading partners, but also improve the traceability through the integration of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. A case study is discussed in applying ILIMS to a medium-sized 3PL company in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region resulting in a big improvement on the outbound logistics performance in the supply chain.

Abstract: Effective inventory management strategies and their efficient implementation are recognized as important elements in a manufacturer’s business model. The targets are reduction of the level and value of inventory maintained, high speed in transforming them to orders delivered to customers and flexibility in dealing with demand changes. This paper proposes a business model for inventory management in a Hong Kong plastic products manufacturing company with production facilities located in the mainland. It shows how E-business technology applications have opened up the horizon for realization of such a business model. A supply chain strategy based on mutual trust and inventory information visibility is essential in the implementation of such a business model. The model has been found to be valid and feasible. The benefits attainable to parties in the supply chain are evaluated. It is proposed that the model can also be applied successfully for similar benefits in other companies.

Abstract: To solve the problems of product data exchange and sharing between CAD, CAPP, CAM and CNC systems, a CAD/CAPP/CAM/CNC integrated system model is established according to STEP-NC standards. STEP-NC files are used to represent product data in form of neutral file, by which data exchange and sharing can be realized in the integrated system. Furthermore, the key integration technologies including integrated system data modeling, feature conversion are discussed in this paper.

Abstract: According to requirement of cooperative manufacturing partner selection based on networked manufacturing environment, the paper resolves cooperative manufacturing partner selection problem by ant colony algorithm and grey relation theory: Firstly, manufacturing task is divided into series of working procedure in time order by technologic planning. Secondly, considerable candidate enterprises are selected in terms of multi-hierarchy grey relation coefficient at each working procedure node to reduce the size of problem. Lastly, cooperative enterprise selecting path is decided by making use of ant colony algorithm in light of transportation cost.

Abstract: To comply with STEP-NC (ISO 14649), a new paradigm for NC programming, many computer systems involved in NC manufacture are required to reshape in both functionality and structure. This paper reports a feature-based NC programming system for prismatic parts to be machined using STEP-NC machine tools. The proposed system consists of three functional modules, i.e. a feature-based modeler, a process planner and a part program generator. The modeler provides a graphical environment for the part model, which is created by adding manufacturing features on a 2.5 D sweep primitive shape. The process planner determines which operations are to be performed for the features, generates workingsteps and then produces a reasonable workplan. Finally both the geometrical and the process information are passed to the part program generator to form a complete ISO 14649-compliant file. The proposed system is demonstrated through the generation of the STEP-NC part program for an example part, and major issues such as the feature-operation mapping and the workingstep sequencing etc are also addressed in this paper.