In simultaneous/concurrent engineering (SE/CE), many functions are performed concurrently; however, manufacturing logistics design is seldom considered. Presents an integrated methodology for the design of manufacturing logistics and links it with early phases of product design. The concept of “adaptability factor” is proposed, linking choice of manufacturing technology to handling operatio…
Describes the successful implementation by a major airline′s catering division of a comprehensive, computer‐controlled logistics system comprising two separate, fully automated warehousing and ordering systems, making order error a rarity and enabling three‐shift operation which has significantly increased profitability.
Results of an international investigation concerning the selection of materials handling methods for high rise in-situ concrete buildings by contractors' planning engineers in France, Germany and the UK are presented. Findings indicate that materials handling methods differ in each international location. Tower cranes still dominate for high rise in-situ concrete buildings, although contractors…
The need to design materials handling systems optimally has grown as the cost of material handling equipment has continued to increase. For some facilities, this need is critical due to product obsolescence and quality. Simulation modelling based and factorial experimental design are used to help accentuate some of the decision options regarding the optimum number of carts, the optimum schedu…
The sources and consequences of schedule instability at an automotive assembler producing two models on the same assembly track are described. One model was produced under conditions of relatively lengthy stable schedules, the other under more unstable schedule conditions. The two logistics processes were compared, and measures of schedule uncertainty identified. The relative impact on human …
“Minomi” is a unit load where no container is used. The aim of this paper is to identify the effects of using minomi in the materials supply within an assembly plant.
The purpose of this paper is to assist facility design practitioners, industrial managers, and expert systems (ES) developers identify important issues to consider and actions to follow in the selection of material handling (MH) equipment, overcome limitations of existing equipment selection approaches, and design complete MH systems.