Mickey R. Wilhelm

A layout design heuristic employing the theory of fuzzy sets

This paper discusses various techniques for layout planning and outlines an application of fuzzy set techniques to the block layout design problem. In particular, a fuzzy linguistic heuristic for the location of the departments within a facility is proposed. This heuristic utilizes imprecise descriptors for two distinct design categories: closeness and importance, expressed in the form of fuzzy relations for every pair of departments. A numerical example is given to illustrate the proposed approach and directions for further research are discussed.

A justification methodology for automated manufacturing technologies

Abstract Current demands, originating in global markets, upon manufacturing industries have promoted the enactment of strategic measures commonly directed toward improving production resources. This has led to the necessity of critical capital investment evaluations of various automation alternatives by many corporations. This paper present a methodology which enables corporate decision makers to evaluate and select the appropriate automation systems to implement from a list of potential candidates. The methodology uses a two phased approach and two sets of ordinal scale measures to weight the intangible benefits resulting from implementation of automation alternatives from the standpoint of both strategic and tactical considerations.

A fuzzy linguistic approach to implementing a strategy for computer integrated manufacturing

Abstract This paper outlines an application of linguistic variables from the theory of fuzzy sets to support the phased implementation of a computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) strategy. The use of linguistic variables facilitates the consideration of non-quantitative (or intangible) factors which have come to plague attempts to justify CIM systems. A heuristic algorithm is developed and demonstrated in an example.

A methodology for economic justification of flexible manufacturing systems

Abstract This paper develops a model for the economic justification of flexible manufacturing systems. The proposed model considers the intangible and tangible benefits resulting from the implementation of advanced computer controlled manufacturing systems. The models structure consists of a top down approach which identifies and measures the desirability of the firms global (strategic) as well as local (tactical) objectives.

Application of outranking methods to economic and financial justification of CIM systems

Abstract Traditional economic evaluation methods concentrate on maximizing or minimizing a single objective such as net present value and pay back period. In the last decade, there has been an increased awareness of the need to consider multiple attributes in the evaluation of advanced manufacturing systems. Various methods have recently been developed for the evaluation of CIM systems. This paper discusses multiattribute methods for justification of CIM systems and outranking methods including ELECTRE, ORESTE, and PROMETHEE.

A Classification Scheme for Traditional and Non-Traditional Approaches to the Economic Justification of Advanced Automated Manufacturing Systems

ABSTRACT The introduction of microprocessors and computer controlled production tools into industry has given a new perspective to manufacturing processes both in the U.S. and abroad. Computer Aided Design, Computer Aided Manufacturing, Group Technology, and Computer Integrated Manufacturing, which is now called Computer Integrated Enterprise, are considered by many as viable tools which can reduce direct and indirect manufacturing costs, improve product quality and increase the variety of products offered. Although these technologies are considered to be highly beneficial, only a few companies in the U.S. have attempted to implement them. Shortcomings of traditional economic justification of capital expenditure methods have been often cited as one of the major barriers to adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies. This paper presents a classification model to categorize both traditional and non-traditional economic analysis methods for capital investment justification and presents numerical examples for some of these methods.

A Modular Algorithm for Pre-Simulation Design of Automatic Guided Vehicle Systems

The AGVS design problem is extremely complex. The interrelationships among the many design variables make the development of a single, comprehensive analytical solution model practically impossible. Therefore, this chapter presents a modular modeling framework for breaking the AGVS design problem down into smaller, more tractable, sub-problems. The solutions resulting from each module act as input to the next sub-problem module. This process is iterated until convergence is reached.

Computer-aided facility location

Abstract This article details the capabilities of a computer-aided facility location code utilizing the hyperboloid approximation procedure (HAP), originally written in BASIC and implemented on Tektronix ® hardware. However, it is generic in its approach nd graphics syntax, and has been successfully ported to other micro/minicomputers having graphics capability, and to mainframe computers. The code uses a modified HAP to solve minisum, planar, single- and multifacility location problems. It uses a numerical procedure for construct contour lines. A number of features facilitating sensitivity analyses are, for example, construction of isocost (contour) lines, manual (keyboard-free) placement and evaluation of a new facility location, evaluation of a solution by a cost/distance metric function not necessarily the same as that used in finding the current optimal locations, relocation of facilities to optimal locations after sensitivity analyses, and ease of editing input data.

Research in the 1990s

The Material Handling Research Colloquium convened June 19–21 in Hebron, Kentucky and brought together over 40 researchers from nearly 25 institutions. The objectives of these two and one-half days of intensive meetings were the exchange of viewpoints, the assessment of the state of material handling research, and the identification of key issues confronting the material handling research community. The goal was to anticipate the directions of material handling research in the 1990s through an examination of current activity and the identification of key barriers. The following sections of this chapter provide some insight into the kinds of problems being addressed, as well as the methodologies and approaches being used by researchers.