Holistic design of manufacturing systems

Abstract

To design, implement and operate an efficient manufacturing organisation, a systems view is necessary; this picture is further complicated as manufacturing systems are also dynamic in nature. Holistic design of manufacturing systems, that is using dynamic systems thinking based on business strategy, can help to optimise technical, organisational and human factors in new system implementation. During the last decade numerous packages for the simulation of manufacturing systems have been developed as a support for the analysis and design of these systems. Simulation has traditionally concentrated on details, which is important at the design stage, but many of the total system aspects such as machine, organisation and human aspects are lost. This paper presents the concept of a virtual arena as a means of approaching the holistic design of manufacturing systems; the literature relating to this concept is also presented in outline. Special interest is placed upon work relating to the total or holistic view of manufacturing organisations. Current research initiatives in Scandinavia are also presented. (5 pages)