Aline Cauvin

A Cooperative Agent Based Scheduling Repair Method for Managing Disruptions in Complex Organisations

In order to minimize disturbance impact in complex organizations, an agent-based decision support system is proposed using a distributed cooperative scheduling repair method. The approach is based on an isomorphic modelling of complex organizations, where agents operate cooperative repair behaviours. Agents implement solving strategies composed of atomic repair operations. The resulting multiagent system will operate the repair behaviours in order to determine the solution which minimizes the disturbance impact and to propose it to the human decision maker. This paper focuses on the description of cooperative repair operations and cooperation strategies that agents develop through their behaviours in order to find solutions to disturbances and propose them to human decision makers.

A Production System Reconfiguration Model Based on Repair Approach

The frequency of new product introduction requires adaptable production system. In this context, this paper deals with the reconfiguration issue during factory layout design regarding the introduction of a new product in an existing production line. A repair approach from planning recovery is explored to address this issue. We show that long term performance can be reached if future products can be integrated easily in the existing production system with low disruptions on current operations during the reconfiguration phase.

Conceptual Design and Simulation of an Automotive Body Shop Assembly Line

This research work deals with assembly line design and its performance measurement at early stage of a project. The objective is to support decision process on strategical choices regarding the future system configuration. In this perspective, simulation and digital factory concept represent tools and related methodologies to support manufacturing design process, taking into account the whole system lifecycle. However, these model based approaches usually focus on detailed design and less on conceptual design where key decisions are made based on preliminary analysis and usually little available information. In this paper, conceptual models of an assembly line are presented to support the designer’s choices and solution analysis. Business process modeling and simulation are explored to address this issue. Several scenarios and preliminary ideas on process layout and structure are evaluated.

Decisional modelling for engineer-to-order

Abstract To face changes in economic context, companies develop a mode of management of activities implemented to run engineering processes: “Engineer-To-Order”. The paper deals with the identification of main information flows and critical activities in the context of Engineer-To-Order. First Engineer-To-Order is defined and characterized. Then, a model of main information flows and critical activities is proposed. Finally, activities are integrated in a decisional model built on the GRAI method. The aim of the research presented in the paper consists in modelling decisional flows in order to propose a reference model of Engineer-To-Order as a diagnosis tool.

Managing informal aspects of decision processes for improving reactivity of industrial systems

The number of problems induced by the variability and the unsettled nature of the industrial environment is increasing. So, we have developed an approach which aims at making the control system more reactive. Our approach deals with the informal aspects of the control systems decision processes. We present a contribution to improving the reactive capacities of industrial systems. The objective consists in reducing the periods of functioning in a disturbed mode. We propose an analytical approach to manage disturbances and we describe the models and necessary tools. Finally, we show how our approach can be implemented in an industrial context.

Manufacturing engineering data integration for assembly process design review

In order to achieve rapid development process and reduce the time to market, new approaches have been investigated for automotive body assembly design. This research presents a prospective study about using plant digital mock up to support industrialization process and design reviews. The concept of Digital Lot (DLot) is introduced as a design object to validate a layout and assembly processes alternative in a collaborative way. The result is a better synchronization between manufacturing engineers and quick identification of key issues related to the future assembly process configuration.

Integration of a modelling method in the design of supply chains: Proposal of an approach in the framework of design for logistics

Abstract Extended enterprises need a continuous improvement of their functioning. This paper aims at integrating a method of enterprise re-engineering in the context of an approach of Design For Logistics. The objective consists in developing models from the organizational, operational, processes, economic and decisional points of view. These models will take into account logistics dimension until the design process and will make it possible to develop corrective actions on decisional, operational and informational systems of supply chains.

Improving Concurrent Cooperation Processes, in View of Trade Specificities

Abstract Our research on concurrent engineering implementation suggests that it is nowadays necessary for project management to be complemented with a long-term management of the various technical trades which cooperate in the product development process. Based on that assertion, we propose an approach which consists in managing knowledge-based networks considered as sub-systems of an organisation: we define the concept of Skills-network and we present a formalism to represent an activity network, so as to diagnose and to improve its internal organisation. We apply the approach to an industrial case.

Towards Concurrent Design: Cognitive and Cooperative Aspects Integrated in a Model of Design Activity

Abstract Design is paramount in concurrent engineering. This paper presents the numerous concepts related to design activity models organized into a synthetic and enlightening way. Thus, design is studied from two perspectives: the cognitive aspects and the cooperative aspects. After identifying some present requirements for a new rationalization of the design, it is shown why these two approaches seem both indispensable and complementary. Then, a model of design activity is built up, based on those two points of view