Diederick Lutters

Workflow management based on Information Management

In manufacturing processes, the role of the underlying information is of the utmost importance. Based on three different types of integration (function, information and control), as well as the theory of information management and the accompanying information structures, the entire product creation process can be formulated in terms of the information requirements of distinct processes. So-called task chains can establish the correlation between processes. Using formal representations of the information content (ontologies), a flexible resolution of process-steps is achieved. Based on this, an improved method for workflow management comes within reach.

Computer aided process planning for sheet metal based on information management

During the last few years, attention in the manufacturing cycle has shifted towards concurrent engineering (CE). With this, the integration of the different product life cycle processes has become a focus in both research and industry. However, it is obvious that the integration of all manufacturing processes, taking into account all life cycle aspects from initial functional requirements to final disposal, is hardly feasible in the traditional way. In this paper, the execution of the manufacturing cycle based on information management is explained by describing the development of a generic architecture for computer aided process planning. This architecture is elaborated upon for the field of sheet metal manufacturing in a small batch part environment.

‘What-if’ design: a synthesis method in the design process

In integrating functions, information and control in the design and engineering cycle, the information content acts as a facilitator, whereas the processes involved actually effectuate the results of the development cycle. As combining processes in an effective and efficient manner becomes increasingly feasible, a more dynamic coherence between the processes involved is implied, calling for different control principles, whilst maintaining -and possibly increasing-flexibility. This increases the competency in understanding and utilising consequences of design decisions. Based on this, a ‘what-if design support system can help in performing routine tasks and aiding designers and engineers in understanding more complex challenges.

Information Management in Process Planning

A recently proposed reference model indicates the use of structured information as the basis for the control of design and manufacturing processes. The model is used as a basis to describe the integration of design and process planning. A differentiation is made between macro- and micro process planning. Macro process planning employs production method knowledge and context information to evaluate candidate production methods. Decisions in this respect are already relevant in the design stage. In working in the opposite direction, method knowledge can be applied to generate geometry and to supply material information. This enables both the completion of abstract features and the selection of production methods for the less functional, roughly defined parts of a product, ultimately resulting in a fully specified design. This approach is primarily based on Information Management.

Information management and design & engineering processes

In analysing design and manufacturing tasks and their mutual interactions, it appears that the underlying information of these tasks is of the utmost importance. If this information is managed in a formalized, structured way, it can serve as a basis for the control of design and manufacturing processes. The ontological description that is used for this purpose is elaborated upon. Significant in this respect is the introduction of expedient differentiations in distinct aspects of the ontology. Based on a reference model and three accompanying information structures, it is indicated how an ontological description of the information content can be applied to govern design and manufacturing processes. Examples in the field of process planning and cost estimation are used to illustrate the theory.

Determining material properties of sheet metal on a press brake

During the last decade, several attempts have been made to develop bending models for air bending. All models, whether they are sophisticated or very simple, need adequate input. Principally, the results of a bending model can never surpass the quality of the input. Whereas, e.g. the thickness of a sheet can be ascertained from straightforward measurements, the material properties are difficult to determine, and—in most cases—are not provided by the sheet metal manufacturer with adequate accuracy. In several studies it is shown that the influence of material properties on the output of bending models is substantial. For example Young’s modulus and the Ludwik–Nadai parameters are important in this respect. Based on the concepts derived from in-process control techniques, this paper describes a material test procedure that can ameliorate the input of bending models. The procedure is to be implemented on a standard press brake, without the aid of laboratory testing equipment. In order to determine the different material properties, the punch force–displacement diagram is recorded. Based on this diagram, and on fundamental knowledge of the air bending process, values for the material properties are deduced.

Synergy of Technical Specifications, Functional Specifications and Scenarios in Requirements Specifications

In the (mechanical) design process, the requirements specification is a formal registration of the conditions that are imposed on a new or altered product design, both preceding as well as during the corresponding product development cycle. For a long time, the use of technical specifications has prevailed in the establishment of such requirements specifications. However, gradually, there is an appreciation for the fact that sheer technical specifications may inadvertently fix constraints and possibilities too early in the process. Moreover, it is recognized that technical specifications are unsuitable to adequately address the role of unquantifiable aspects that play important roles in the development cycle. Using functional specifications and scenarios respectively may aid in addressing these problems. Considering the importance of having an effective requirements specification, the coherence, synergy and specifics of technical specifications, functional specifications and scenarios as part of the requirements specification are addressed. This publication focuses on the different roles, limitations and added values of the constituents of the requirements specification.

DESIGNING A FRAMEWORK TO DESIGN A BUSINESS MODEL FOR THE 'BOTTOM OF THE PYRAMID' POPULATION

This article presents a framework for developing and designing a business model to target the ‘bottom of the pyramid’ (BoP) population. Using blue ocean strategy and business model literature, integrated with research on the BoP, the framework offers a systematic approach for organisations to analyse and understand all aspects of the BoP and their environment, and then design a business model that minimises the risk of failure and fulfils the core requirements of the BoP. A case study on Capitec Bank demonstrates how the framework can be applied to the real world. The case study shows the practical examples that Capitec uses to target the BoP successfully, and the logic behind these actions. Further validation was done through interviews with experts in the relevant fields used in this study. OPSOMMING Hierdie artikel stel ’n strategie vir die ontwikkeling en ontwerp van ’n besigheidsmodel vir die ‘bottom of the pyramid’ (BoP) populasie voor deur behulp van ’n raamwerk. Deur die ‘blue ocean’ strategie- en besigheidsmodel-literatuur te gebruik, sowel as deur navorsing oor die BoP te doen, kan die raamwerk ’n sistematiese benadering vir ’n organisasie gee om eers alle aspekte van die BoP en hul omgewing te ontleed en te verstaan, en daarvolgens ’n besigheidsmodel te ontwerp wat die risiko van mislukking en aan die kern vereistes van die BoP voldoen. ’n Capitec Bank gevallestudie illustreer hoe die raamwerk toegepas kan word in die praktyk. Die gevallestudie toon die praktiese voorbeelde wat Capitec gebruik om suksesvol die BoP te betree, met die motiverende logika. Verdere validasie was gedoen dmv onderhoude met kenners in die verwante velde aangeraak in die studie. A

Multi-user Collaborative Design Tools for Use in Product Development

This chapter describes the advantages of using multi-user collaborative design tools within product development, and what it takes to simultaneously work with multiple users on one virtual tool. Initially, it is explained why collaboration is essential during product development and how current virtual tools fail at facilitating and stimulating it. An introduction is given to multi-touch interfaces that offer the opportunity to create multi-user collaborative design tools, followed by an explanation of the most important challenges in creating multi-user virtual design tools.

Distance collaboration support environment

This paper explains a new distance collaboration support environment for use in product development processes. This environment makes it possible to organize a meeting with up to eight stakeholders in two locations, where there is minimal distraction by the distance. Not only audio and video are shared, but also physical products placed on a table and hand movements are visible for each participant. This allows for pointing with a finger at objects which are only present at one location. All these technological possibilities are integrated in one physical setting to minimize start-up times and to ensure that all remote locations are comparable. Consequently, so participants know exactly what participants at the remote location see.