Test case applications results - P/N M3942462
Historical (black) and novel FTMS simulated (green) on-hand inventory level, I, vs. time (one year),
for part-numbers M3942462
Historical (black) and novel FTMS simulated (green) on-hand inventory level, I, vs. time (one year),
The design, functioning and performance of a novel Flexible Tool Management Strategy (FTMS) paradigm integrated in a Multi-Agent Tool Management System (MATMS) for automatic tool procurement was presented
The MATMS operates in the framework of a negotiation based multiple-supplier network where a turbine blade producer requires dressing jobs on worn-out CBN grinding wheels for nickel alloy turbine blade manufacturing from different tool manufacturers
The FTMS is designed as a domain specific problem solving function of the MATMS intelligent agent whose task is the optimum tool inventory sizing and control of CBN grinding wheels.
This agent performs its activities on the basis of running production plans and dressing cycle time predictions, utilising the FTMS paradigm
Test case applications of the novel FTMS paradigm based on tool management decision making with reference to the value of a future inventory level, Ifut(t + Trt), were presented to illustrate and assess the new FTMS performance versus traditional tool management
By comparing the historical and the FTMS simulated inventory level trends for two test case part-numbers, in both instances a notable cost reduction was obtained with the FTMS method
The development of the research activity will aim at the generalisation of the management approach to the inventory control applications other than CBN grinding wheel tool management