Responsive system based on a reconfigurable structure

B. Hu and J. Efstathiou

A reconfigurable modular approach is proposed to construct a responsive manufacturing system to satisfy customers’ varied demand. In order to achieve this, the system employs a three-level control structure. We present the system’s dynamic behavior and optimal layout, as well as performance measures. Entropic measurement of demand and factory capacity is used to determine the local optimal strategy under dynamic scheduling. We conclude this paper using cases of successful fast-responding corporations to gain insight into responsive reconfigurable systems.

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Submitted by Efstathiou on Thu, 29/06/2006 - 4:07pm.
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TREND DETECTOR

Submitted by Lagos on Fri, 30/06/2006 - 8:12pm.

Very interesting paper and well grounded framework. Do you have any ideas on how the trends can be detected by the trend detector? Are there any algorithms involved?

Re: Trend Detector

Submitted by azkaban on Thu, 06/07/2006 - 11:43am.

Thanks for your comment. Presently we are using some common forecasting techniques such as time series in detecting a trend. Some work has been carried out on measuring the effects of product modularity on profit performance. It is based on the assumption that the more responsive the production is to demand, the better the system can perform. The data analysis and case are in another paper recently submitted.

Entropy measurement and PFM

Submitted by basic on Fri, 07/07/2006 - 12:47pm.

Very inspiring paper.
I'd like to know more about the complexity measurement and product family management. Have you got any material on that?

For the scheduling part, what is the scheduling rule used?

Re: Entropy Measurement

Submitted by azkaban on Tue, 11/07/2006 - 3:34pm.

Thank you for your comment. glad you like our paper.

The entropy measurement of product family is based on Dr. Efstathiou's work on manufacturing complexity in the past few years. We are trying to use it to measure the effects of different product modules on customer perceived value, while considering its production cost- in terms of complexity. Then we use the term "efficiency" to evaluate what modules are desirable? Thus we can make decisions whether to produce this specific product (customized), subcontract or to cease production, freeing valualbe capacity. This is called Product Family Management. You can check our group page for more information, we will update the papers published periodically.

The scheduling rules and simulation results are in another paper recently accepted. If you give me your email address, I can email you a copy when it's published.

Responsive system based on a reconfigurable structure

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