A Methodology for Assessing the Cost Effectiveness of Assembly Processes

Assembly processes are undergoing frequent changes as a result of the current drive for agility and rapid product solutions. These changes induce complexities and dynamics in the survival of most Manufacturing Enterprises (MEs). To remain competitive, MEs have to continuously and flexibly adjust through the redesign and organisation of their manufacturing and assembly processes as well as resource elements, with the aim to improve ‘cost’ and ‘values’ generated. Cost and values are part of key performance indicators necessary for determining the economic viability of assembly processes. The paper therefore presents a methodology capable of capturing, modelling and using information related to cost and value generation for in-depth assembly process analysis. This form of analysis can help determine assembly process efficiency and therefore support the selection or redesign of assembly processes for maximum value realisation at minimal cost.

[1]  Péter Bernus,et al.  Modelling and methodologies for enterprise integration : Proceedings of the IFIP TC5 Working Conference on Models and Methodologies for Enterprise integrations ,Queensland, Australia, November 1995 , 1996 .

[2]  J. Forrester.  Industrial Dynamics , 1997 .

[3]  Kwabena Agyapong-Kodua,et al.  Multi-product cost and value stream modelling: in support of business process analysis , 2010 .

[4]  Peter Bernus,et al.  Modelling and Methodologies for Enterprise Integration , 1996, IFIP — The International Federation for Information Processing.

[5]  John Bicheno,et al.  The Lean Toolbox , 1999 .

[6]  A. Law.  Simulation of manufacturing systems , 1988, WSC '88.

[7]  François Vernadat,et al.  UEML: Towards a unified enterprise modelling language , 2002 .

[8]  R. H. Weston,et al.  Model‐driven, component‐based approach to reconfiguring manufacturing software systems , 1999 .

[9]  E F Wolstenholme,et al.  Qualitative vs quantitative modelling: the evolving balance , 1999, J. Oper. Res. Soc..

[10]  K. Kosanke,et al.  Process Oriented Presentation of Modelling Methodologies , 1996 .

[11]  K. Humphreys.  Project and Cost Engineers' Handbook , 1984 .

[12]  James P. Womack,et al.  Lean Thinking: Banish Waste and Create Wealth in Your Corporation , 1996 .

[13]  Kamran Ali Chatha,et al.  Multi-process modelling approach to complex organisation design , 2004 .

[14]  John D. Sterman,et al.  Business dynamics : systems thinking and modelling for acomplex world , 2002 .

[15]  Joseph O. Ajaefobi,et al.  Human systems modelling in support of enhanced process realisation , 2004 .

[16]  Richard H. Weston,et al.  On modelling reusable components of change-capable manufacturing systems , 2009 .

[17]  Peter Bernus,et al.  Enterprise integration — engineering tools for designing enterprises , 1996 .

[18]  Bernd Scholz-Reiter,et al.  Modelling and Control of Production Systems based on Nonlinear Dynamics Theory , 2002 .

[19]  J Swanson,et al.  Business Dynamics—Systems Thinking and Modeling for a Complex World , 2002, J. Oper. Res. Soc..

[20]  George P. Richardson,et al.  Reflections for the future of system dynamics , 1999, J. Oper. Res. Soc..

[21]  Akintola Akintoye,et al.  A survey of current cost estimating practices in the UK , 2000 .