An integrated design support method for flexible assembly systems

Existing design aids for flexible assembly systems (FASs) have had limited success in real applications because of the simplicity of the underlying assumptions, treatment of isolated design issues, time-consuming techniques, lack of user-friendly design-aid tools, and no machine flexibility consideration. The proposed integrated design support system takes three basic data (products, potential machines, and material handling systems) as input and provides (1) cost-effective flow system designs (layouts and operating policies) that satisfy design and production requirements and (2) economic assessment for the investment plan. The three phases of the system-rough-cut analysis, detailed analysis, and investment plan analysis-encompass queuing networks, optimization methods, discrete-event computer simulation, and engineering economy. The system is the first truly integrated method to support design activities and economic justification for FASs. A case study shows the proposed system's effectiveness and efficiency.