Design and implementation of a shop floor scheduling and control system using a mini computer. A case study from manufacturing

Abstract

This paper describes a production assignment in Europe with a leading multinational corporation. The main objective of the project was to develop, design and instal a viable scheduling and control system using a mini computer. The system is designed to replace manual systems on an “around the clock” basis, seven days a week. The advantages of using a stand-alone mini computer rather than the in-house, main frame computer are considered. Advantages such as speed of design, speed of programming and speed of implementation of a mini-assisted system are given their due emphasis. Of equal importance, and probably of greater importance, is the attitude of the people involved. In particular, the user receives his own system on his own computer which sits with him at his work place. As with main frame computer applications neglect of the user usually results in the payment of a high price. In many cases that price is failure at implementation. This paper is about building a manufacturing system upwards, that is starting with the end user and what he needs to do his job. As hardware costs fall (and software costs rise) so the trend towards the use of mini computers accelerates. It is hoped that others embarked on this course will learn from the experience gained on this assignment.