William W. Swart

AN AHP FRAMEWORK FOR PRIORITIZING CUSTOMER REQUIREMENTS IN QFD: AN INDUSTRIALIZED HOUSING APPLICATION

Abstract Construction of housing in the United States is highly decentralized. There is an increasing use of manufactured components and modules constructed off-site at a manufacturing facility and assembled at die building site. However, there has been little use of modern manufacturing processes and controls. In an effort to develop energy efficient, affordable industrialized housing, a total engineering design approach is needed. This study uses a concurrent engineering approach to examine the production of an essential component in industrialized housing, a manufactured exterior structural wall panel. In particular, we apply Quality Function Deployment to fully integrate the customers requirements. This paper focuses on the identification and prioritization of those customer requirements. We integrate the Analytic Hierarchy process with QFD to establish a framework for prioritizing customer requirements.

Structuring a simulation modeling environment using a commercial manufacturing simulator

The objective of the paper is to describe a new structure which is being used for the development of a simulation modeling environment (SME) for industrialized housing. The structure is centered around a commercial manufacturing simulator which is closely coupled with a relational data base management System (RDBMS). The paper presents an overview of previous SME research, describes the new SME structure and, finally, presents findings from on-going SME development efforts.

A proposed testbed for evaluating adaptive routing algorithms

Abstract This paper discusses a newly-designed tool for evaluating routing algorithms in computer-communication networks. It is called the Adaptive Routing Testbed (ART). When implemented, ART will provide an efficient, effective means for evaluating the performance of routing algorithms in point-to-point networks. The method of simulation was chosen for this tool due to its advantages over analytical methods for this application. A major contribution of ART is its flexibility. It will simulate and evaluate the performance of a wide variety of routing algorithms under any valid network topology, switching mechanism, and traffic load. It will also simulate variations in the topology and traffic load while the algorithm is operating. Another significant contribution of ART is that the flexibility is provided without requiring the user to have programming skills. This is accomplished through a fully parameter-driven design. The specifications of the networks, traffic, component life, and routing algorithms are based on assigning values to parameters. The testbed will apply rules of logic when querying the user for parameter values: the next set of vlaues requested will be based on previous responses.

Critically indexing for job/task improvement at the Kennedy Space Center

Abstract Americas Space Exploration program is characterized by cutting edge technology in support of NASAs goals and research objectives. One principal component of the Space Shuttle System is the Orbiter Vehicle which undergoes necessary repairs and refurbishment at the Kennedy Space Center following each mission. The Orbiters Thermal Protection System (TPS) is a mission critical component which protects the orbiter from the heat of re-entry from space. The University of Central Florida (UCF) research team was tasked with evaluating TPS processing requirements to reduce overall cycle times between operational mission. A job/task performance analysis was conducted to identify candidate TPS processes for evaluation and possible improvements. The research team developed a computer generated Improvement Potential Index (IPI) following a systematic data collection process. The IPI was then used to identify the top twenty processes which TPS engineers, quality assurance personnel and technicians identified as tasks which would most likely benefit from process improvement. The specified tasks were then analyzed for methods optimization. This paper documents the results of this effort to date, with emphasis on the Improvement Potential Index.

A Model for the Factory of the Future for Industrialized Housing

The objective of this paper is to explore opportunities to improve quality, affordability and energy efficiency of industrialized housing in the United States. The paper presents current research efforts at the University of Central Florida to develop a conceptual model for building homes in the 21st century. The model is a fully-automated facility that employs a number of advanced information and manufacturing technologies. This paper describes the 21st century manufacturing facility, its layout and operation, the automation building blocks that are required and likely impacts.

Automation technologies for the industrialized housing manufacturing industry

Abstract Automation technologies are widespread within many manufacturing sectors today. It is widely accepted that some of these technologies can be implemented in the industrialized housing industry. The efficiency and productivity of this industry can be improved by employing existing as well as emerging automation technologies available on the market today. This paper presents current technologies already being used in other areas of construction as well as those under research and development. Finally, a concept for the 21st century industrialized housing manufacturing facility is presented, depicting advanced automation and information technologies including computer aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), material requirements planning (MRP), automated material handling and control systems. In addition, a conceptual layout of this facility is presented.