Seamless Information Flow Research Articles

Product data modelling for the computer integrated manufacturing of plate bending process in shipbuilding

The current plate bending process in shipbuilding is carried out manually by skilled workers with only minimal manufacturing information. To improve productivity, the concept of a computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) system is developed for the automation and computerization of the bending process. The objective of this paper is to present a product data modelling process by use of an object oriented methodology for the development of the CIM system. The CIM system developed here consists of an information database, a control system, and an automated machine. In this paper, a product data model is proposed for the CIM database system by employing the four phases of basic objects, relationships and attributes, constraints and model integration. The data model is described using EXPRESS and EXPRESS-G languages. Based on the constructed database, the control system is designed and implemented with engineering analysis, networking, measuring and other features. The main function of the control system is to provide real-time manufacturing information and to control the machine in an integrated manner. Associated with the proposed CIM concept for plate bending, an automated machine has been developed and integrated with the control system to give a complete working system. An example experimental test is presented to provide the functions of the system and to verifythe data and seamless information flow in the system.

Information processing issues and solutions associated with microarray technology

Managing vast amounts of information associated with DNA array technology presents a challenge. This article describes a synergistic analy- sis management (SAM) system, which integrates mi- croarray and laboratory data along with analysis steps to present a synergistic view to the researcher. We describe tools for data management in array fab- rication, automated image analysis, and array data mining. All the described modules allow for seamless flow of information and are connected through a da- tabase. SAM will enhance microarray projects at pharmaceutical and academic institutions, which face the problems of high throughput microarray data management. � 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Lab Robotics and Automation 12:317-327, 2000

Architectural innovation in product development through early supplier integration

The paper explains how an important opportunity exists to pro‐actively integrate suppliers at an early stage in the concept exploration and definition stages of product development. Research suggests that the concept of architectural innovation can be extended so that product features are matched with the associated specialized technical skills of partners in the development team.In addition to the establishment of integrated product teams, key enablers include: long‐term commitment to suppliers; co‐location; joint responsibility for design and configuration control; seamless information flow; and retaining flexibility in the definition of system configuration. Important contributing factors include: supplier‐capability‐enhancing investments; target costing; and incentive mechanisms. To promote innovative outcomes in military and government programmes, attention is drawn to the importance of governments championing closely‐knit customer‐supplier relationships.Firms can build enduring competitive strength by leveraging the specialized knowledge bases of their supplier networks. Two case‐studies provide lessons to improve current approaches to the creation of long‐term partnerships, or strategic alliances, with suppliers.

Integrated logistics information system in Korea

The transport infrastructure will provide the necessary capacity for freight movement and handling. However, the increase in the physical infrastructure alone is not a sufficient condition for the improvement of logistics systems. The logistics information capability which facilitates the seamless flow of information is a very important element in further enhancing the efficiency of logistics activities and in potentially reducing the demand for the transport infrastructure itself. Reviews the existing logistics information practices in Korea and describes recent nation‐wide efforts to build an integrated logistics information system (ILIS). Raises some important issues for successful implementation of the system and also discusses the relationship between the Korean CVO (K.CVO) programs.

Proposed Advanced Commercial Vehicle Operations in Republic of Korea: Issues and Prospects

Transportation infrastructure will provide the necessary capacity for freight movements and handling. However, the increase of physical infrastructure alone is not a sufficient condition for improvement of logistics systems. A logistics information capability that facilitates seamless flow of information is important in further enhancing the efficiency of logistics activities and potentially in reducing the demand for transportation infrastructure itself. The existing logistics information practices in the Republic of Korea are reviewed. Korea’s recent efforts to build the advanced logistics management systems and integrated logistics information systems are described. The relationship between these two systems is discussed, and issues that are important to successful implementation of the systems are raised.

Human Factors in Agile Manufacturing

As industries position themselves for the competitive markets of today, and the increasingly competitive global markets of the 21st century, agility, or the ability to rapidly develop and produce new products, represents a common trend. Agility manifests itself in many different forms, with the agile manufacturing paradigm proposed by the Iacocca Institute offering a generally accepted, long-term vision. In its many forms, common elements of agility or agile manufacturing include: changes in business, engineering and production practices, seamless information flow from design through production, integration of computer and information technologies into all facets of the product development and production process, application of communications technologies to enable collaborative work between geographically dispersed product development team members and introduction of flexible automation of production processes. Industry has rarely experienced as dramatic an infusion of new technologies or as extensive a change in culture and work practices. Human factors will not only play a vital role in accomplishing the technical and social objectives of agile manufacturing. but has an opportunity to participate in shaping the evolution of industry paradigms for the 21st century.

Human Factors in Agile Manufacturing

As industries position themselves for the competitive markets of today, and the increasingly competitive global markets of the 21st century, agility, or the ability to rapidly develop and produce new products, represents a common trend. Agility manifests itself in many different forms, with the agile manufacturing paradigm proposed by the Iacocca Institute offering a generally accepted, long-term vision. In its many forms, common elements of agility or agile manufacturing include: changes in business, engineering and production practices, seamless information flow from design through production, integration of computer and information technologies into all facets of the product development and production process, application of communications technologies to enable collaborative work between geographically dispersed product development team members and introduction of flexible automation of production processes. Industry has rarely experienced as dramatic an infusion of new technologies or as extensive a change in culture and work practices. Human factors will not only play a vital role in accomplishing the technical and social objectives of agile manufacturing. but has an opportunity to participate in shaping the evolution of industry paradigms for the 21st century.