Versatile production systems

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One speaks of an adaptable production system when functional units that do not exist at the time of planning can be integrated later and changes to the product that exceed an originally planned extent can also be implemented due to the benefit-neutrality. A versatile production system is implemented, for example, in a flexible factory or a flexible company.

The importance of adaptable production systems increases against the background of the change from seller to buyer's market as well as accelerating clock speeds , as production is developing towards individual small series (see also: Mass Customizing ). Industry 4.0 can be an enabler for versatile production systems.

term

In the area spanned by dedicated production systems on the one hand and flexible production systems on the other, the adaptable production systems occupy a compromise position in which production can be carried out cost-effectively without having to spend a lot of money on maintaining unsolicited flexibility.

The terms flexibility , configurability and changeability are often not used in a clearly defined manner in the production literature. In order to arrive at a clear distinction, Nyhuis et al. the following definitions are presented:

  • Flexibility is defined as a property of production systems to adapt quickly and with little effort within the limits of a given area to changed framework conditions.
  • Reconfigurable production systems are composed of autonomous and standardized functional units in such a way that they can be exchanged quickly if required.
  • A versatile system is both: flexible within a narrow framework and easily reconfigurable if broader product changes have to be managed.

Properties for the ability to change

The following properties enable a system to change and are therefore also referred to as change enablers:

  • Universality : an object can be used for different tasks, can be designed and dimensioned depending on the requirements and can act independently of others.
  • Neutrality : an object cannot influence the capabilities of other objects, especially negatively.
  • Mobility : results from all the features of an object that contribute to unrestricted spatial mobility.
  • Scalability : the ability of objects to be both spatially and technologically expandable or reducible.
  • Modularity : the internal structure of a system made up of independent functional units.
  • Compatibility : Expression for the ability of the external structure to be linked to other systems at its interfaces.

Limits to versatility

The following factors can limit the adaptability of production systems:

  • Time restrictions on buildings, systems and machines, as factories are designed for 30 years and machines and systems for a service life of 15 years.
  • By designing the resources for a maximized benefit, companies become rigid structures, since a production configuration should be retained for as long as possible.
  • There is a long-term business plan instead of a continuously revolving plan.
  • There is no solution to the trade-off between the demand for continuous change on the one hand and the demand for uniform utilization on the other.
  • After the outsourcing has taken place , longer paths have to be mastered.
  • High fixed costs require sustainable employment.
  • Collective bargaining agreements and works agreements can limit flexibility.
  • Limited competence of the employees due to their specific qualification profile.

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ a b Nyhuis, P .; Heinen, T .; Reinhart, G .; Rimpau, C .; Abele, E .; Wörn, A .: Adaptable production systems: Theoretical background on the adaptability of production systems. In: wt Werkstattstechnik online 98 (2008) No. 1/2, pp. 85–91.
  2. ↑ Westkämper, Engelbert ; Zahn, Erich (Hrsg.): Versatile production companies: The Stuttgart company model. Springer: Berlin: 2009. - ISBN 978-3-540-21889-0 . P. 9f.
  3. ↑ Wulfsberg, Jens; Honest, Tobias; Lehmann, Jörg; Bruhns, Franz-Ludwig: Square Foot Manufacturing: A versatile production system for the manufacture of micro parts (PDF; 685 kB) , read on 08-08-02.
  4. ^ Heger, Christoph: Evaluation of the changeability of factory objects. Garbsen: PZH, 2007. - ISBN 978-3-939026-43-3
  5. ↑ Westkämper, Engelbert ; Zahn, Erich (Hrsg.): Versatile production companies: The Stuttgart company model. Springer: Berlin: 2009. - ISBN 978-3-540-21889-0 . Pp. 15-18

literature

  • Heger, Christoph: Evaluation of the adaptability of factory objects. Garbsen: PZH, 2007. - ISBN 978-3-939026-43-3
  • Nyhuis, P .; Heinen, T .; Reinhart, G .; Rimpau, C .; Abele, E .; Wörn, A .: Adaptable production systems: Theoretical background on the adaptability of production systems. In: wt Werkstattstechnik online 98 (2008) No. 1/2, pp. 85–91.
  • Westkämper, Engelbert ; Zahn, Erich (Hrsg.): Versatile production companies: The Stuttgart company model. Springer: Berlin: 2009. - ISBN 978-3-540-21889-0
  • Scientific Videos: Adaptable Production Systems Part 1 , Part 2