Rural Distributed Manufacturing Systems

Phase I research will demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed Rural Distributed ManufacturingSystem (RDMS). The RDMS concept has the potential to bring new jobs to rural states.The RDMS is a disciplined framework that ties together technologies and operating techniques todistribute manufacturing work over a region. The RDMS will integrate dispersed laborresources, enabling the manufacture of sophisticated products, such as electronics assemblies.The RDMS concept will be suitable for replication in a wide range of industries, and has thepotential for major impact on the quality of life in rural America.In Phase I, Killdeer Mountain Manufacturing, Inc. (KMM) will develop the operating guidelinesand the communications network to operate a RDMS, in part, by establishing a pilot RDMSprogram. A central location will perform the overhead intensive functions such as procurement,training, and accounting, and distribute assembly work to the satellite facilities.KMM, with its consultants, McDonnell Douglas Aerospace, Dr. Joel Troxler of Montana StateUniversity, and the Center for Innovation and Business Development, will provide a metric tomonitor community impact and a decision-support model of a RDMS as a virtual enterprise.