Matthias Foehr

Manufacturing system engineering with mechatronical units

Within the engineering of manufacturing systems the paradigm mechatronical units is of important interest. To deal properly with mechatronical units within manufacturing system engineering they have to be defined, described and used in an appropriate way establishing a mechatronical engineering process.

Aggregation of engineering processes regarding the mechatronic approach

Within the last few years different process structures for the execution of engineering processes in the field of production systems have been developed and partially standardized. These processes have strong similarities and dependencies enabling the development of a generalized engineering process for production systems. In addition the different engineering processes can highlight the use of mechatronical units. This paper will survey existing engineering processes and will make a first attempt to define such a mechatronic oriented generalized engineering process for production systems. Thereby, it intends to provide a starting point for further discussion on this subject.

Towards the integration of process and quality control using multi-agent technology

The paper introduces a vision on the design of distributed manufacturing control systems using the multi-agent principles to enhance the integration of the production and quality control processes. It is highlighted how agent technology may enforce interaction of manufacturing execution system and distributed control system, enhancing the exploitation of the available information at the quality control and process control levels. A specific focus is made on a suitable engineering methodology for the design and realization of such concept. Innovation is also presented at the level of adaptive process control and self-optimizing quality control, with examples related to a home appliance production line.

Development of a method to analyze the impact of manufacturing systems engineering on product quality

Product quality is one key performance indicator for manufacturing systems with growing importance. Among others it depends strongly on manufacturing properties and parameters defined within the engineering process of the manufacturing system creating these products. Thus, manufacturing systems engineering quality directly influences product quality. To control the reachable product quality within the engineering process, the dependencies between engineering process, manufacturing system, and product have to be known and used within the engineering process as guidance. Within this paper a method is described which can be used to analyze the dependency of product properties and, thereby, product quality from engineering activities.

Surveying integration approaches for relevance in Cyber Physical Production Systems

Flexibility and adaptability are major challenges for modern production systems. To realize them integration approaches are required. Within this paper a literature survey on integration approaches and integration approach types is described based on an attempt towards a detailed characterization of both. It is intended to enable an informed decision for research and development directions towards modern integration strategies as required in Cyber Physical Production Systems.

Engineering process evaluation: Evaluation of the impact of internationalisation decisions on the efficiency and quality of engineering processes

Engineering and installation processes are one cost driver within the life cycle of a technical system. Especially within international projects crossing country borders, the cost distribution and the cost allocation are challenges for the success of the technical system. The engineers usually responsible for the decisions where and by whom an engineering activity has to be executed within the engineering process are usually not able to execute a highly detailed decision and management process as proposed by workflow management systems. Thus, an easier useable approach following the knowledge of these engineers is required. Within this paper such an approach is described combining different modelling and analysis approaches in a new way resulting in an easy way for resource allocation decisions in engineering processes.

Integrating mechatronic thinking and multi-agent approaches

The paper introduces a concept for the combination of mechatronic unit and multi-agent system approaches. It highlights how combining both approaches to a new kind of integrated system architecture may enforce the dissemination and reusability of methods and automatisms developed for one specific system architecture to other similar ones. Additionally it will show how this integrated architecture leads to a better exchange of Automation architectures in general. Thus, all systems compliant with the described architecture may benefit from methods and automatism applicable for a broad range of systems. The suitability of this integration approach is verified by using the example of a washing machine production line.

The best practices of engineering regionalization

Software and hardware engineering in international project business has been subject to regionalization efforts for several years. We describe how such a regionalization is basically organized and performed in a multi-national company, mainly active in project business in various technical domains such as electrical substations, trains or power plants. Main accent is put on experience gathered from engineering regionalization. Special focus of this contribution is on the regionalization process chosen and on the many challenges involved. It turns out that the regionalization of engineering is a process lasting for a longer time and requiring balance between all participating parties. Best practices gathered so far are presented and further envisioned research steps are shown.

Identifikation und Umsetzung von Agenten zur Fabrikautomation unter Nutzung von mechatronischen Strukturierungskonzepten

Zum Zweck der Verbesserung von Effizienz und Korrektheit beim Entwurf von flexiblen Produktionssystemen wurden in den letzten Jahren verstarkt Forschungs- und Entwicklungsanstrengungen unternommen, die die unterschiedlichsten Resultate erbracht haben. Zwei Ergebnisse sind agentenbasierte Steuerungsarchitekturen und mechatronische Entwurfsmethoden. Sie entstammen unterschiedlichen Forschungsrichtungen, sind jedoch gemeinsam nutzbringend einsetzbar. Im Rahmen dieses Beitrages wird kurz angerissen, wie der Stand der Entwicklung in den genannten Forschungs- und Entwicklungsgebieten ist. Auf dieser Grundlage wird dargestellt, wie beide Gebiete kombiniert und gemeinsam genutzt werden konnen. Es wird aufgezeigt, welche Vorteile und welche Konsequenzen diese Kombination besitzen kann.

Regionalization of engineering: A structured process including risk considerations

The companies active in international project business are faced with the optimization task how the different phases in the technical value chain can most efficiently be shared between headquarter and local country organizations. Many regionalization cases the authors have examined have critical issues in domains such as internal setup, strategy, risk assessment, or know-how transfer. Therefore, in this paper, a process detailing how regionalization efforts in engineering can be effectively organized is explained, especially taking into account how typical risks inherent to regionalization can be identified. The process starts by defining regionalization goals in relation to the business strategy and identifying possible risks. After analyzing the preconditions, a regionalization concept is established by careful evaluation of different scenarios. Upon decision for a certain scenario, detailed planning of regionalization is started, including e.g., preparation of change management and ramp-up of engineering manpower. Setting up the local organization includes training of employees, preparation of suitable environments and adaption of engineering processes. In this phase, the first regionalized projects can be performed. A carefully chosen lessons learned process helps to augment the performance of the organization in its environment; a phase-out step may conclude the work in a regionalized environment. Practical information gained from expert interviews and taken from real regionalization cases in a multi-national company is presented in appropriate detail to illustrate the principles. They verify the approach and show the direction of further research.