Computer Systems Selection for CIM
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| Publicado en: | PQDT - UK & Ireland (1993) |
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ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
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| Acceso en línea: | Citation/Abstract Full Text - PDF |
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| Resumen: | The objective of this research is to develop, and demonstrate, the application of a methodology for selecting computer systems for Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM). This was achieved by defining CIM and identifying the three most important areas, namely The Manufacturing Workstation, Production Management Systems and Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing. These areas were individually analysed to determine the characteristic parameters which could be used to specify the requirements for computer systems. The factors were then assessed as a unit to determine the most appropriate approach to use in developing the selection methodology.After extensive investigations it was concluded that Multi-Attribute Decision Making techniques provided the most appropriate facilities for addressing the selection requirements. The volume and composition of the selection factors rendered a manual solution method unfeasible thus software had to be developed to demonstrate the practical application of the selection methodology. This led to the assessment of implementation platforms from which, the object-oriented design paradigm emerged as possessing the most suitable features for the software development. This was executed using C++; a language which offers the flexibility of C and the required mechanisms for object- oriented programming. Testing of the software, using artificially generated data, was performed concurrently with its development. Validation however, involved the use of externally collected data.The data collection efforts involved two postal surveys, expert interviews and five case studies. One of the postal surveys was of production management systems and concentrated on MRP II, while the other dealt with CADCAM. Both were mailed to prominent suppliers of the respective systems throughout the United Kingdom. Appropriate response inducement techniques were used to enhance the response rate. The collected data was then analysed, converted, and stored in customised databases designed by the author for direct use with the selection software. The case studies involving five medium-sized manufacturers who had previous contact with the Manufacturing Division at UMIST involved, personal visits, interviews and appropriate questionnaires. They organised such that, different selection scenarios could be explored across the companies.Validation of the software involved inputting the data collected from the case studies into the software and producing recommendations based on the specifications of actual computer systems products. The results were then reported to the relevant companies and compared with their perceived requirements. The most significant result was one company who changed their original decision, and is in the process of acquiring the product recommended by the selection results.The overall approach presented by this research is a total package for selecting computer systems that is, the analysis of CIM and its decomposition into functional areas, the subsequent analysis of these to derive the selection parameters, the use of these parameters to develop questionnaires as data collection devices both for computer system products and from companies, the creation of databases of the products, the selection software, and the final presentation and interpretation of the results.It is this overall system, which is such a useful tool in the selection of computer systems for manufacturing organisations. All its facets are related, and it is when used in unison that, the full benefits can be obtained. If used properly, it provides a framework where the requirements of a company can be established and potential systems evaluated within the period of a few days. This is a drastic improvement on the many months normally required by companies to perform similar tasks. It is therefore a valuable tool for use by manufacturers and consultants alike and such use can result in major financial savings. |
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| ISBN: | 9798426841802 |
| Fuente: | ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global |