2. SOFTWARE SPECIFICATION AND SELECTION
For software to be effective, it must meet the requirements that are
defined based on its purpose and how well it does its intended job.
The requirements can be expressed in the form of absolute and
functional specifications. These specifications provide a basis
for detailing requirements for the software and can be used as
a checklist against which various alternatives
can be evaluated.
3. I. ABSOLUTE
SPECIFICATIONS:
1. Detailed Specification:-
a) FMS Characteristics
b) Program Code
c) Computer Hardware
d) Production Capacity
2. Effective User Interface:-
a) Minimal Training Requirements
b) Multi User Capability
c) Fast Execution / Response Time
4. 3. Software Design:-
a) Modular Structure
b) Design for Growth
c) Interface to Other Software
4. Effective Verification & Test
5. Effective Documentation:-
a) Training Manual / Tutorial
b) User-interface
c) Programmer Reference
5. II. FUNCTIONAL
SPECIFICATIONS:
1. Deliverables versus Cost:-
a) Purchase Package
b) Tech Support & Software Service
c) Availability of Source Code
d) Documentation
e) Training
f) Hardware & Support Equipment etc.
6. 2. Quality:-
a) Vendor Credibility (Including on-time delivery)
b) Reliability
3. Programming:-
a) Programming Language
b) Structure of Program
c) Error Recovery
d) Security
e) Diagnostic aids
f) Access to Database
g) Interface to Other Applications
h) Graphics Display
7. 4. Controlled Applications:-
a) CNC Part Program
b) Traffic Control
c) Shuttle Control
d) Tool Control
e) Quality Control
5. Management Applications:-
a) Scheduling
b) Production Control
c) System Monitoring
9. FMS TRENDS &
CONCLUSIONS
Flexibility in FMS provides an opportunity to
capitalize on basic strengths of a company to
ensure long term leadership in manufacturing cost,
products and service to customers.
Implementation of FMS involves development of
various manufacturing concepts from which a few
specific alternatives are selected and then
evaluated so that a single alternative can be
selected and implemented.
In FMS, the cost of capital equipment and its
supporting software will be a major driving factor as
well as limiting factor in the ability of a company to
remain competitive in the world market.
10. In addition to a very detailed business analysis, a
comprehensive technical analysis of the system must be
made. For example, the expanded manufacturing
systems will incorporate new techniques and processes.
In machining and spindle probes and spindle load
monitoring are now common. Adaptive controls, tool life
monitoring, broken tool detection, improved pallet
positioning techniques and spare tool selection, all will
come into common use in these large systems (FMS).
Each technology brings with, it the need for software to
monitor and control the processes and operations.
11. The sensitivity of various alternatives to change
business conditions must be carefully evaluated. What if
the forecast for a particular product materialize faster or
slower than anticipated?
Finally, since manufacturing systems will be provided by
vendors with varying degrees of experience and
capability, it is important to find and develop intelligent
ways of working with vendors to develop basic concepts
and turn basic needs, goals and strategies of the
business to equipment and/or software suppliers in such
a way that concepts directed towards the particular
needs of company can be developed
12. APPLICATIONS OF
SIMULATION SOFTWARE
In numerous studies, Simulation is used a technique for
analyzing and evaluating an existing or proposed
manufacturing systems.
Earlier, Simulation studies design phase of a
manufacturing system implementation which tends to
focus on equipment and material handling requirements.
Caruso & Dessouky (1987) developed a Simulation
Model of a proposed FMS system which is used in
assembly of Instrument Panels.
13. Simulation models of existing systems frequently
are used to test different control and dispatching
strategies.
Godziela (1986) uses Simulation to evaluate
performance of proposed system to support
certain levels of production activity. Falker and
Garlid (1987) use Simulation to justify
implementation of an FMS.
