Innovative Technologies for Automated Capacity Assessment and Planning for Manufacturing

ABSTRACT: The DF&NN and Systems Implementers (SI) team will be starting with the integrated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) tool, Impresa, which is installed in Air Force facilities and configured to run on the DOD network. The objective is to develop the Capability & Capacity Assessment & Management (CCAM) core technologies for production and repair manufacturing. Impresa provides the security management, data validation, and integration capabilities required to support our capacity and capability analyses. We propose incorporating and improving tools used in the DSOR workload activation process with ERP functionality of measuring capacity. The 4 tasks proposed to enhance the graphical output in Impresas advanced reporting tool are: 1. identify the number of times a child in an indented Bill of Material relationship is routed for repair 2. define a method of handling as necessary operations when they are listed within a routing, but capacity is <100% 3. develop a comprehensive method of capability management that identifies whether a work area is capable of producing an item 4. add user defined fields within Impresas DSOR program for identifying and linking capability with the existing capacity programs and screens providing an increased scope view for those responsible for performing capability and capacity analysis. ; BENEFIT: The DF&NN and SI team development of a prototype for real-time capability and capacity assessment of manufacturing machines, planning, and analysis in critical DoD production and repair facilities has significant commercialization opportunities. Any real time manufacturing process with operational performance data will be able to benefit significantly from these tools. This prototype for the management of new workloads that adapts to major changes to existing workloads will address the following common problems: Frequent and expensive project delays Difficulties in accessing relevant data for analysis of workload requirements and impacts Inability to accurately capture detailed task assignments and statuses No central source for reviewing, recording, or reporting project information An overall unorganized project management approach The integration of expert troubleshooting tools/methods and the application of re-planning tools in CCAM to optimize the repair cycle will be attractive to the military as well as industry, including commercial airlines, large utilities and independent power producers, oil and gas transmission companies, and marine propulsion applications. The benefits of CCAM include Empower decision makers for improved capability and capacity management. Adopt better business practices Apply Standard repeatable processes Maximize materials and resources