Factory Data Model for Planning Variant Sequences, Expansion Stages and Reconfigurations

Abstract

A factory has to adapt to a future production program and increasing volumes. The planning of new factories must therefore already take expansion stages and reconfigurations into account. This leads to an increase in the complexity of planning, as different variants have to be planned and put into a chronologically reasonable and cost-optimized sequence. A factory data model that covers expansion stages manages the planning data amount and reduces complexity. Based on existing models from the literature, a factory data model was developed and modeled in the Unified Modeling Language standard. The factory data model shows which classes are interdependent and how planning results are stored reusable for other variants. An example is used to explain the developed factory data model and highlighting its advantages. The aim is to enable factory planners to document variant sequences and expansion stages in a comprehensible way, which supports the interdisciplinarity of factory planning projects.