Design of matrix production systems: A skill-based systems engineering approach

Abstract

A high changeability of value creation enables manufacturing companies to constantly adapt to new situations in Industry 4.0 such as changing product portfolios or supply chain disruptions. Matrix manufacturing systems provide a high changeability of value creation enabled by individually plannable process modules, interconnected through a flexible material flow. Higher maturity levels of matrix manufacturing systems integrate transportation and value creation tasks and are facilitated by location-independent equipment that merges into new resources according to dynamically changing manufacturing demands, i.e., a fluid production. The efficacious design of matrix manufacturing systems is still a complex challenge for research and practice. For this purpose, the authors propose a novel design approach specifically scoped for matrix manufacturing systems. This approach aims at offering a more practical guideline for the design of matrix manufacturing systems. Skill-based systems engineering provides the methodological foundation. The application opportunity for novel generative AI tools is exemplified. An experiment, addressing the manufacturing of a toy action figure, validates and improves the conceptualized design approach.