Vidosav Majstorovic

An integrated approach to optimise parameter design of multi-response processes based on Taguchi method and artificial intelligence

The Taguchi robust parameter design has been widely used over the past decade to solve many single-response process parameter designs. However, the Taguchi method is unable to deal with multi-response problems that are of main interest today, owing to increasing complexity of manufacturing processes and products. Several recent studies have been conducted in order to solve this problem. But, they did not effectively treat situations where responses are correlated and situations in which control factors have continuous values. This study proposed an integrated model for experimental design of processes with multiple correlated responses, composed of three stages which (1) use expert system, designed for selecting an inner and an outer orthogonal array, to design an actual experiment, (2) use Taguchi’s quality loss function to present relative significance of responses, and multivariate statistical methods to uncorrelate and synthesise responses into a single performance measure, (3) use neural networks to construct the response function model and genetic algorithms to optimise parameter design. The effectiveness of the proposed model is illustrated with three examples. Results of analysis showed that the proposed approach could yield a better solution in terms of the optimal parameters setting that results in a higher process performance measure than the traditional experimental design.

An intelligent approach to robust multi-response process design

In order to meet strict customer demands in a global highly-complex industrial sector, it is necessary to design manufacturing processes based on a clear understanding of the customers requirements and usage of a product, by translating this knowledge into the process parameter design. This paper presents an integrative, general and intelligent approach to the multi-response process design, based on Taguchis method, multivariate statistical methods and artificial intelligence techniques. The proposed model considers process design in a general case where analytical relations and interdependency in a process are unknown, thus making it applicable to various types of processes, and incorporates customer demands for several (possible correlated) characteristics of a product. The implementation of the suggested approach is presented on a study that discusses the design of a thermosonic copper wire bonding process in the semiconductor industry, for assembly of microelectronic devices used in automotive applications. The results confirm the effectiveness of the approach in the presence of different types of correlated product quality characteristics.

The Development of Business Standardization and Integrated Management Systems

The Development of Business Standardization and Integrated Management Systems At the beginning of the 21st century, business standardization has been experiencing intense development, while technical standardization has been moved to the background. Globalization, the development and application of IT technology, the global economic crisis and severe conditions in business have only contributed to this development. Today, the most current standards to be applied are ISO 9000, 14000, 17000, 18000, 20000, 22000, 27000, 31000 and others. At this point the basic question that arises is how to apply these standards in an integrated fashion. Integrated management systems are the answer, which should connect at least two standards or at best all of them - from five to seven. This paper deals with the development of individual models of business standardization, and their integration in the design and implementation of IMS, from the viewpoint of quality management requirements, environmental protection, the safety and health protection of employees and some other demands. Razvoj Poslovne Standardizacije i Integrisani Sistemi Menadžmenta Početkom 21. veka, poslovna standardizacija je doživela intenzivan razvoj, potisnuvši tehničku standardizaciju u drugi plan. Globalizacija, razvoj i primena IT tehnologija, svetska ekonomska kriza i teški uslovi poslovanja samo su doprineli tom razvoju. Danas su najaktuelniji za primenu standardi serije ISO 9000, 14000, 17000, 18000, 20000, 22000, 27000, 31000 i drugi. U ovom trenutku osnovno pitanje koje se postavlja je kako ove standarde primeniti integrisano. Odgovor su integrisani sistemi menadžmenta koji bi trebalo da povežu najmanje dva standarda, a najbolje bi bilo da to budu svi - od pet do sedam. Ovaj rad se bavi razvojem pojedinačnih modela poslovne standardizacije, kao i njihovom integracijom u cilju projektovanja i primene IMS-a, iz ugla zahteva za upravljanje kvalitetom, zaštitu životne sredine i bezbednost i zaštitu zdravlja zaposlenih, kao i nekih drugih.

The Measurement System Analysis as a Performance Improvement Catalyst:A Case Study

The capability to manage and control the Business Performances (BPs) of a company is nowadays a leveraging factor for the own competitiveness. One of the most important factors to improve business performance indicators is the development of a structured Quality Management system. Among a plethora of various methodologies, Six Sigma is one of the most important methodologies to improve product and process quality, reduce wastes and costs and achieve higher efficiency and effectiveness, strongly influencing the performance indicators of manufacturing companies. The Six Sigma measurement phase in the DMAIC sequence, as well as all kinds of the measurement activities, should be strictly controlled in terms of effectiveness, precision, variation from the actual values, etc. In respecting these restrictive requirements, the Measurement System Analysis (MSA) is becoming necessary to evaluate the test method, measuring instruments, and the entire process of obtaining measurements in order to ensure the integrity of data used for analysis and to understand the implications of measurement error for decisions making about a product or process. The article presents the MSA action implemented in a manufacturing company, as a case study. Preliminary qualitative and quantitative analysis follow and the main result are presented. The measurement system capability is analyzed. The MSA action strongly influences the company’s general business performance as revealed by the final analysis in the article.

EXMAS—Knowledge based system for maintenance of complex mechanical systems

Abstract EXMAS is a Knowledge Based System for Integrated System Maintenance Complex Mechanical System (EXMAS being an abbreviation for: Expert Maintenance System). It is part of a complex DESIGNER expert system, which is currently under development at the Department for Production Engineering Department of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Belgrade. The theoretical approach for the DESIGNER expert system is the theory of automata applying artificial intelligence tools. The knowledge block is introduced as a structure of the man-machine cybernetic entity. Basic engineering activities in the integrated system of maintenance are: computer aided design for maintenance, computer aided maintenance technology design, and computer aided maintenance planning and control. This paper gives several parts of this expert system.

CAI Model for Prismatic Parts in Digital Manufacturing

Abstract The objective of this paper is to discuss the feature-based inspection planning on CMM in a wider context, within a digital manufacturing concept. The digital manufacturing implies development of digital models of all elements of the manufacturing chain, in order to provide their digital verification. STEP standard as an enabler of feature-based manufacturing is presented along with its application protocols, considering design, planning, manufacturing and inspection of prismatic parts. The case study on the feature-based CAD/CAPP/CAM/CAI model in a manufacturing SME is shown to depict the position of CAI in this concept as well as its practical achievements. This is followed by the research recommendations for the improvement of the presented model.

Capp Model for Prismatic Parts in Digital Manufacturing

The paper discusses the feature-based process planning in a digital manufacturing concept, for prismatic parts manufacturing. STEP standard as an enabler of feature-based manufacturing is presented in detail, along with belonging application protocols. The case study on the feature-based CAPP/CAM model in Serbian SME is shown to depict the advantages, followed by the research recommendations for the improvement of the presented concept.

The Effect of Industry 4.0 Concepts and E-learning on Manufacturing Firm Performance: Evidence from Transitional Economy

With the application of smart technology concepts, the fourth stage of industrialization, referred to as Industry 4.0, is believed to be approaching. This paper analyzes the extent to which smart factory concepts and e-learning have already deeply affected manufacturing industries in terms of performances in transitional economy. Empirical results indicate that manufacturing companies that have introduce both e-learning and selected smart factory technology concepts differ significantly. E-learning is mainly applied on graduates in production. Results reveal that two smart factory concepts are significantly and positively related to the firm performance when e-learning is applied.

From IMS and six sigma toward TQM: an empirical study from Serbia

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the current status of a quality management practice in Serbia, in terms of the development and application of integrated managements systems (IMS), and research and implementation of Six Sigma and the related techniques. Design/methodology/approach – Two main aspects of total quality management (TQM) have been considered: institutional (organisational or strategic) aspect that corresponds to standardised management systems and their integration, and technical (quality engineering) aspect whose main contributor is Six Sigma. The findings of a comprehensive study on IMS implementation in Serbia have been presented, based on the results of a questionnaire that was sent to 54 organisations during 2013. Also, the significant technical improvements and tangible benefits of a recently conducted Six Sigma project were shown, including the application of the advanced quality engineering techniques within DMAIC method. Findings – Good QM practice in Serbia is improv...

Application of the Advanced Quality Improvement Techniques: Case Study

Implementation of the advanced cost-effective methodologies for product and/or process quality improvement is an effective mean to fulfil or exceeds customer’s expectations. This paper presents the analysis of a performance of automatic enamelling process for a non-normal data distribution, conducted within the six sigma project implemented in a production system. Drawing on the process analysis results, process optimisation was performed using location and dispersion modelling. It proved its effectiveness in determining the significant effects of process factors on the response mean and variation, and in obtaining the optimal factors setting of the observed single-response process.