Production And Workforce

Business Management

Production and Workforce - Unit 3 IP

1. Can you use CAD, CAE, CAM, CIM and FMS to manufacture better parts more easily? Explain.

CAD or Computer Aided Design is a geometric modeling system used to produce two dimensional and three dimensional engineering drawings. (http://www.jjjtrain.com/vms/cnc_cad-cam.html#3) The design process involves identifying a need, generating possible solutions to meet that need, evaluating each solution to determine its merit, and developing a detail model so it can be built. CAD links different design components together to create new or modified designs and communicates those designs electronically to other systems. CAM or Computer Aided Manufacturing utilizes computers in the control and operations of the manufacturing process. CAM directly controls and supports the manufacturing process and operation. Utilizing CAM technology, the manufacturing function can be done via remote control as these systems utilize automated machines that communicate directly with each other. (http://www.sjrcc.cc.fl.us/faculty/hinton/chap9.html)

CIM uses computer technology to tie together the design, production, marketing and delivery of a product into a totally integrated system. CIM or computer integrated manufacturing is perceived to be the ultimate in automated processing. CIM is a strategy for organizing and controlling a factory rather than specific technology that can be purchased. FMS or flexible manufacturing system consists of numerous programmable machine tools connected by an automated material handling system and controlled by a common computer network. It is a fixed automation system that is programmed or wired for a specific task. Therefore FMS can produce very high volumes, but is not very flexible. Only one type or model of product can be produced and changing the product design requires extensive changes in the line and its equipment.

In summary utilizing any or all of these systems will automate any production process. However, it is important to determine which of these systems is more beneficial based on the type of product is being manufactured since some of these systems are not very flexible and be costly if changes need to be made.

2. If your final product requires several unique subunits that are all produced with different machinery and in differing lengths of time, what facility layout will you choose and why?

Facility layout can be defined as the process by which the placement of departments, workgroups within departments, workstations, machines, and stock-holding points within a facility are determined in order to process goods and services. The basic objective of a facility layout is to make sure that the item being produced is done in a smooth, seamless fashion. There are three basic types of layouts: process, product and fixed-position. In a process layout, also referred to as functional layouts, the equipment is general purpose and workers are skilled at operating the equipment in the department or unit. Product layouts, also referred to as assembly lines is where products are produced by arranging activities in a line according to how products needs to be assembled. Lastly, fixed-position layouts are used for projects where materials are too heavy, fragile or bulky to move. (http://www.snc.edu/socsci/chair/333/bricks/Layout.html)

There are other hybrid layouts such as cellular layout, flexible manufacturing systems and mixed model assembly lines. In a cellular layout, work stations and equipment are arranged in a sequence that supports a smooth flow of materials through the production process with minimal delay. Instead of processing multiple parts before sending them to the next machine, cellular layouts allow products to be moved one piece at a time. This type of facility layout allows for the flexibility of varying product type or features on the product line in response to specific customer demands. Flexible manufacturing systems can product an enormous variety of items, but are complex and expensive. Basically, computers run all the machines that complete the production process. The mixed-model assembly line produces a variety of products on one line.

Since the subunit products being manufactured require different machinery and are produced on different timelines, the best facility layout would be the mixed-model assembly line. This layout allows for a variety of items to be produced on one line. The mixed-model layout also allows products to be completed in different time spans.

3. Look up in the Cybrary or on the Internet "franchising". Based on your readings, from an operational perspective, why is purchasing a franchise such as Wendy's or Jiffy Lube an attractive alternative for starting a business?

Franchising is a method of doing business wherein a franchisor licenses trademarks and methods of doing business to a franchise in exchange for a recurring royalty fee. (www.wikipedia.com). Franchising is based on mutual trust between the franchisor and franchisee. The franchisor provides the business expertise, site location, training, etc.,