Abstract
Compared with modularized enterprises, continuous Process (CP) enterprises exhibit differing characteristics in manufacturing flexibility. Relative to the vast literature on the flexibility of modularized enterprises, the manufacturing flexibility of CP enterprises has aroused little attention in current literature. In this paper, we develop a new theory to give a reasonable explanation for the flexible manufacturing problem of CP enterprises with multiple products. Based on the analysis of flexible manufacturing process of Jiahua enterprise, we find that CP enterprises can create product diversity through component flexibility, control flexibility and mixed flexibility. The discussion on the permutoid, arising from the product production transformation process of CP enterprises, further reveals the possibility of cost reduction in production transformation and thus efficiency enhancement of manufacturing flexibility. The cost-efficient flexibility of CP enterprises is realized by properly scheduling the production process, shortening the continuous transforming time of the permutoid and reverse development of the permutoid, with exploiting the characteristics of compatibility, continuity and reversibility of the permutoid. Finally, we conclude that the study on the manufacturing flexibility of CP enterprises will contribute to the flexible production transformation in the industries with CP.
Highlights
The keep-going high price motivates more consideration on energy-saving in the cement industry
Based on the analysis of flexible manufacturing process of Jiahua enterprise, we find that continuous Process (CP) enterprises can create product diversity through component flexibility, control flexibility and mixed flexibility
We conclude that the study on the manufacturing flexibility of CP enterprises will contribute to the flexible production transformation in the industries with CP
Summary
The keep-going high price motivates more consideration on energy-saving in the cement industry. Besides developing precalcining kiln technology, utilizing industrial waste heat and using frequency conversation technology largely, the production scale of a single cement production line has been expanded rapidly. In 2000, the average production capacity of a single production line of Chinese cement industry was 85200 tons clinker per year, the average coal consumption of one ton clinker was 156.35 kg standard coal, there were only 11 precalcining kiln production lines whose daily production capacity were above 4000 tons and there was not a single production line with 10,000 tons daily production capacity. The rapid expansion of the production scale created chances for cement enterprises to reduce energy consumption and made large production lines win cost advantage over small ones. The fifth party is the discussion and conclusion of the paper, which points out the meaning of the research and scope of application, illustrates the further research directions
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