LEG BYE CARTOON

Mathematical techniques in Manufacturing and ERP

“DEMANDS ON MODERN ERP SYSTEMS VIS-À-VIS ORIENTATIONS IN MODERN  MANUFACTURING AND OPERATIONS”

 

  

Abstract: 

ERP has come to stay as a competitive weapon in modern companies that desire to be competitive in the global market. Suddenly , the focus of modern manufacturing is on building systems within the enterprise that self-govern the manufacturing environment into competitive advantage. Every other year the market hears of organizations that are forced into losses in operations for being indifferent to building systems that support manufacturing and operations.

 

This paper tries to study the modern production environment from a professional stand point and predict the kind of changes that are to be incorporated in the ERP of the future. ERP obsolescence is a rampant phenomena these days and the paper would provide guidelines for future ERP solutions.

 

 

ORIENTATIONS IN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

 

v     Introduction

The coming century has been named as the age of knowledge economy. Manufacturing

industry is facing more and more challenges. Though different technical bottlenecks for

modern manufacturing have been or are being investigated, the real bottleneck is,

however, the lack of knowledge. Efficient acquisition and utilization of

knowledge have been considered as the trump to win the competition in the knowledge

economy.

 

The base of the knowledge economy is the knowledge industry that is supported by the

production equipment and modes, science and technology, management philosophy,

etc., produced by the modern manufacturing system and technology.

 

During the historical development of industry, human society has experienced three

industrial revolutions. Currently, the world is undergoing a Hi-Tech industrial revolution

with information technology as its main feature.  The manufacturing industry of the next century will be characterized by intensively

concurrent engineering based on information technologies such as digitalization,

computer network, artificial intelligence and the like. The focus of enterprise production

is shifting from quantity/quality to service including quality, price, and after service.

People are paying more attention to the individualization, involvement and responsive

requirements of product. The management of the enterprise is being transformed from a

centralized and independent model to cooperative and coordinated management, in

which the creativity of people will be given full play. The 21st century’s manufacturing

industry will be green. It does not damage but preserves and beautifies the

environment. It not only utilizes but also saves and renews natural resources. It will

play an important role in the harmonious development of humankind and nature.

 

 

Let us try to understand the orientations the evolution pattern of modern industry from the past under various attributes;

 

 

Economy pattern Large scale economy to  Speed economy to  Knowledge economy

Main production mode Large scale production to  Integrated production to Intensive production

Main production factor Labor  to  Capital  to Knowledge

Production process Production flowline to Interchangeability Manufacturing to Automatic line to Integrated Manufacturing  to  Concurrent engineering to Distributed networks to Intelligent manufacturing.

 

Production features Mechanization  to   Automation  to Digitization & network

Key technology Unit technology to  Synthetic technology to  Intelligent technology

Requirements toProducts

Big batch to  Diversification to  Individualization to  involvement and rapid response

Focus of Production

Quantity to  Quality to  Services (quality, price,

after service, etc.)

Management Centralization to  Independent to  Cooperative to  full play of personal creativity

Relationship to natural Resource

 

Utilization of natural resource  to Saving natural resource to Preserve & renew natural resource

Relationship to Environment

 

Damages environm-ent  to Pays attention to environment to Preserves & beautifies environment

 

 

 

The manufacturing systems for the next century should possess the features of agility,

intelligence, rapid response and favor high quality products, small batch sizes,

individualization requirements, consumer involvement, and environmental

consciousness. The manufacturing systems characterized by the above

features have been named as intelligent manufacturing systems on which extensive

studies have been conducted.

 

 

v     Modern Manufacturing Systems and Production Modes

Over the past one or two decades, a great amount of effort has been invested by the

industrial world and academia to explore the advanced manufacturing system and

technology that will deal with manufacturing complexities originating from

globalization of markets, stringent competition environment and overload of constraints

on the manufacturing environment. And many manufacturing systems and production

modes have been proposed. According to the literature published by CIRP and other

manufacturing periodicals during the latest decade, nearly 34 modern manufacturing

systems and production modes have been proposed.  Some of the key  systems are listed below

 

GT (Group Technology)

. TQC (Total Quality Control)

. MRP-I (Material Requisite Planning)

MRP-II (Manufacturing Resource Planning)

. FMS (Flexible Manufacturing System)

. JIT (Just In Time)

. CAPP (Computer Aided Process Planning)

. CIMS (Computer Integrated Manufacturing System)

. CDP (Customer Driven Production)

. BR (Business Reengineering)

. CE (Concurrent Engineering)

EFM (Environment Friendly Manufacturing)

. LP (Lean Production)

. AM (Agile Manufacturing)

MAMS (Multi-Agent Manufacturing System)

. VM (Virtual Manufacturing)

LCE (Life Cycle Engineering)

GM (Green Manufacturing)

. CM (Collaborative Manufacturing)

. RM (Remote Manufacturing)

. TPM (Total Production Maintenance)

. OAMS (Open Architecture Manufacturing System)

. IMS (Intelligent Manufacturing System)

. FE (Fractal Enterprise )

ERP ( Enterprise Resource Planning)

SOPS (Self-Organized Production System)

. RMS (Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems)

. GM (Global Manufacturing)

. NGMS (Next Generation Manufacturing System)

 

Some of the above manufacturing systems and production modes have been maturely

applied to practical manufacturing areas and have dramatically reduced the lead time of

products. Some are still undergoing investigation or conceptualization. Behind these

manufacturing systems and production modes lies the continuous pursuit of design

intelligence, manufacturing intelligence and management intelligence, or the enterprise

intelligence as a whole.

 

v     Intelligent Mathematics for Modern Manufacturing System Modeling

In order to model increasingly complex manufacturing systems, numerous mathematical

methods, especially the so-called non-conventional mathematical tools, have been

widely used. Some applications of these mathematical methods in the manufacturing

arena have achieved exciting progress.

 

1. Expert System (Knowledge Based System)

2. Pattern Recognition

3. Graph Theory

4. Similarity Theory

5. Optimization Theory

6. Game Theory

7. Time Series Analysis

8. Wavelet Analysis

9. Computer Vision

10. Natural Language Processing

11. Knowledge Representation

12. Heuristic Search

13. Constraint Based Search

14. Confidence Theory

15. Qualitative Reasoning

16. Reasoning Technologies

17. Machine Learning

18. Machine Proving

19. Multiple-Valued Logic

20. Fuzzy Logic

21. Artificial Neural Network

22. Petri Networks

23. Immune Networks

24. Genetic Algorithms

25. Artificial Life

26. Associative Memory

27. Blackboard Architecture

28. Multi-Agent Systems

29. Non-Classical Control Theory

30. Operations Research

31. System Engineering

32. Simulated Annealing

33. Combinatorial Mathematics

34. Fractal Theory

35. Chaos Theory

In the practical applications, these methods are usually combined with each other to deal

with planning, design, process control, and system integration, etc. Research examples

can be frequently found in technical literature. The wide application of these intelligent

mathematical methods or their combinations in manufacturing will definitely promote

the development of manufacturing system modeling and provide new solutions to the

complexities manufacturing.

 

v     Agent and Agent-Based Manufacturing

Currently, the open architecture Multi-Agent System (MAS) has become the main

research direction.. Agents are now being widely discussed by researchers in

mainstream computer science . Though there is not a

universally accepted definition of agent, it does not prevent people from expanding the

application space of agent technology. In practical application an agent is usually

considered as a self-directed program object which has its own value system and the

means to solve certain subtasks independently and then communicate its solution to a

greater problem solving process, either on its own initiative or on request from other

agents.

 

Any agent comprises of the following components

• Knowledge processor, a knowledge base system that stores and processes the

necessary knowledge for an agent to play the role the agent society has designed for

it.

• Perception, a channel for an agent to receive information from the external world.

• Effector, an interface for an agent to modify or influence the state of the agent

community.

• Communication, a mechanism for an agent to exchange views with other members

in the agent society.

• Objectives, a list of roles for an agent to play.

 

 

The MAS is an open and distributed system that is formed by a group of agents

combined with each other through a network for cooperatively solving a common

problem. The MAS has been applied in many areas. The modern manufacturing system,

which is a highly decentralized system, is one of the typical representatives of MAS

application. A great deal of research effort has been devoted to agent-based

manufacturing. Some leading manufacturers and government agencies in the USA are

claiming that agent-based manufacturing is the future for US manufacturing and agent

technology is the fundamental technology for implementing the agile manufacturing

vision

There is multifold advantage in using an agent-based approach for manufacturing. First,

manufacturing information is stored and processed in a distributed manner as opposed

to being stored in one large program. Second, it makes the incremental improvement of

the manufacturing system possible through the learning and cooperation in agents.

Third, it provides a promising method for enterprise integration.

 

v     MA and Agent-Based Intelligent Manufacturing System Architecture

The application of agent technology in many manufacturing aspects have been

investigated, however, a general agent model suitable for manufacturing applications

still remains to be constructed.

 

 

 Intelligent Manufacturing Agent

In manufacturing, an agent represents an object with certain intelligence, which is either

a physical object such as a worker, a machine tool, and the like or a logical object such

as an order, a task, etc. In order to establish an agent-based manufacturing system, the

model of the Manufacturing Agent (MA) must first be defined.

 

Procedure repository, inference mechanism,

knowledge base, and perception processor constitute the knowledge processing unit for

the MA. The self-learning, self-organizing, and self-adapting are the optimizers of the

MA. The simulation expert provides behavior evaluations for the MA. Working

memory stores the temporary data produced by the other parts of the MA. The

communication mechanism manages the message exchanging tasks of the MA with the

other members of the system. The coordinator coordinates the internal functions of the

MA, meanwhile it receives the coordination requests from other MAs

 

.

The main features of MA are:

• Self similarity: Every MA has a similar structure.

• Self learning: The MA has coordinated learning ability that contributes to an

emergent improvement of the whole system behavior.

• Self adaptation: The MA has the ability to adjust its behavior intention according

to different rules.

• Self organization: The MA can organize or configure its internal procedures to deal

with different tasks.

• Self maintenance: The MA can monitor the state of itself and keep itself in the

most efficient condition.

 

 

v     Demands on modern ERP

 

 

Conventional  and ERP at present focuses only on converting an organization into an Enterprise and in the process creating higher collaboration and resource utilization. This is both an advantage and draw-back because the dynamics and orientations of  modern manufacturing as discussed above drive systems requirements of organizations far beyond resource utilization. Certain amount of Artificial Intelligence has to be built into the very foundations of the ERP. How then can modern ERP systems be re-oriented. The answer to this question is that the following factors must be incorporated into ERP systems.

 

1.      All  ERP  must be based on sound synergy of  Manufacturing Architecture and  System architecture. System architecture must incorporate modern trends in production which reduces Customizing time. This in turn demands that all manufacturing systems be built on  some principles like lean manufacturing , Agent based , Virtual Enterprise or Holonic systems.

 

 

2.      Next Generation ERP systems demand an OPEN ARCITECTURE SYSTEM which is flexible and can be re-oriented as and when the need arises. In an OAS it is easier for few key stake-holders to make changes on the software or even execute updation under an over all framework of procedures. There are several kinds of OAS systems being created in the market and many companies in the US rival SAP and their implementations by advocating the OAS architectures

 

 

3.      Another demand on ERP is  Predictive Analytics and managing Uncertainty : The Software must be able to make MDP (Multi Dimensional Predictions and Co-ordination). This involves quantitative adaptation on the part of the ERP and the ability to see through a maze of data and Information. The utility of an ERP in the production and Operations environment in the future depends on its ability to assimilate this feature in all its operational elements and dimensions and give guidance to production managers on an on-going basis not necessarily on demand as conventional Enterprise solutions do.

 

4.      ERP  must support Intuitive  Functionality  in its operations. Under the open Architecture the ERP becomes open to a wide network of data inputs 40%  larger than conventional closed ERP architectures. It must create a collaboration of the enterprise based on intuition for better real time operations. Most managerial situations on a day to day basis leverage on this feature for operational efficiency critical to Modern operations. For example a supply of raw material might have been defaulted due to some reason and the software must communicate to all concerned in the enterprise about the default and also suggest possible remedies.

 

 

5.      ERP  must use Artificial Intelligence tools and  procedures : ERP must integrate itself with neural networks and  robotics. To make operations procedure lean robotics and other AI related tools are integrated into the manufacturing system. Another key factor is machine learning. ERP acts as an engine supporting the entire process of manufacturing and operations and must necessarily learn from the operations in the future . This learning must be incorporated into the decision making process and process integration processes. ERP must cease to be dumb and must act as an Engine constantly in AI processes like Learning.

 

 

6.      ERP must provide CPFR  and  Supply Chain Visibility : Managing uncertainty using probabilistic models is another demand on ERP in the future. The entire supply chain is bound by uncertainty and random processes because of the kind of environment in which it operates. CPFR which stands for Coordinated  Planning Forecasting and Replenishment is the onus of the modern ERP in general

 

 

 

7.      ERP must be a constant Knowledge Generator  and not just an Information processing tool : Conventionally organizations worked in the realm of data with some degree of processing. With advent of computing and Information systems organizations moved towards  better understanding of relationships between data leading to Information based Organizations. We are now in the era of knowledge economy and knowledge goes much beyond the precincts of information processing. ERP in modern times must involve itself in knowledge Engineering not only in manufacturing and operation functions but also into all  areas of the Supply Chain. ERP must be able to create fresh knowledge and process the knowledge even further entering into the finesse of  Knowledge management. This knowledge must be actively used in Production and Operations

 

 

8.      ERP must have multi-language  multi-currency capabilities: With globalization plants are being located around the world. Sometimes plants have to be located  in other countries within a very short period of time. Country incompatibility would render an ERP redundant and with many such plant shifts likely to occur the ERP would end up becoming of very little operational use. Modern ERP must be prepared for multi-lingual capabilities of at least some key languages and even with translator software’s. The base could still be the English language or any other language with guest country languages written in the English script. Needless to say all key international currencies must be supported by the ERP and their fluctuations in the international market accounted for automatically by the ERP even on a daily basis.

 

 

 

9.      Faster  Implementation of ERP and quick Integration : One of the problems with ERP is the long implementation times.  55% of ERP implementations involve cost and time over-run. Even the best of the implementation methodologies under go over-runs. There are many reasons for such occurrences. If ERP implementations take excessive time ERP will become obsolete vis-à-vis business processes. ERP must scale and change itself from one or some reference points of business processes and there after synchronize itself. The production environment is changing at a fast pace in techniques and methodologies to remain competitive. ASAP was one of the techniques developed by SAP for faster implementations. Today there are companies that build Enterprise Spread Sheets that concur with existing IT systems of an organization.

 

 

10. Web enabling to Integration : Emerging manufacturing scenarios goes way ahead of  what conventional ERP software’s  provide- web enabling. This means a ERP system can take advantage of a public system like the internet as and when it requires .  There is a time lag faced in such transactions. Web integration on the other hand through a fire-wall systems helps ERP get inflow of internet information as –if internet were an integral part of an ERP. Such enabling is becoming a need of the hour. ERP must go beyond only Internet enabling and must also be amenable to enabling of various Intranets.

HU-MAR

A Scientist removed a bell that was hanging outside his house..Why? ..because he wanted the no-bell prize.

LEG BYE CARTOON

MOHAMMED ZAKAULLAH KHAN

For a brief while I had a friend on facebook by name Mohammed  Zakaullah  Khan from Karachi.He was nearly eighty years of age and used to wish me Happy Birthday almost every year.Unfortunately he passed away few years ago.I tried to contact him on  SKYPE  and got to see him once but since there was technical problems on his side could only see him and not hear him.

MZK as I used to call him in short was  a professor of  Mathematics  at Sir Syed College of Engineering in Karachi. Where ever you might be MZK there is some one in Bangalore who fondly remembers you.