An integrated approach to the analysis of automotive assembly activities using digital manufacturing tools. Issue 2 (18th July 2008)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lambiase, Francesco; Lambiase, Alfredo
• Is Part Of: International journal of internet manufacturing and services. Volume 1:Issue 2 (2008)
• Page Start: 160
• Page End: 175
• Publication Date: 2008-07-18
• Subjects: digital factory -- process planning -- discrete event simulation -- ergonomic analysis -- virtual manufacturing -- automotive assembly -- automobile industry -- activities balancing -- task ergonomics -- devices redesign -- cost analysis; Computer integrated manufacturing systems -- Periodicals; Internet -- Periodicals; 670.2854678
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-6048

Abstract

Current trends towards products customisation, increase of quality and reduction on delivery time are radically changing the products/processes design approach. Automotive companies, which continuously face product variant soaring, require new methods development for products/equipment design, manufacturing system planning and process simulation. This paper studies the stages needed to develop an integrated Digital Factory (DF) analysis to increase system performances and resources productivity. A three-step concurrent approach, namely activities balancing, task ergonomic improvement and devices redesign, carried out within 3D virtual environments is referred to an automotive case to demonstrate the advantages of DF over conventional analysis techniques. Finally, a costs analysis is reported to prove the economical feasibility of the advances suggested by such methodology.