An Approach of Dynamic Process Planning for Very Small Batch Production in Machine Shops

Abstract

Recently, discrete parts manufacturing systems have a tendency to turn from the mid-variety and mid-volume production to very small batch production according to a great diversity of marketing needs. In practical shops, it is required to establish an effective very small batch production system. The objective of this research work is to propose an effective operation method for the very small batch production in machine shops. It is shown in the research that a dynamic process planning system is necessary to operate the very small batch production efficiently. The dynamic process planning system is a knowledge-based system that is able to integrate job-shop scheduling and process planning. This paper defines the characteristics of very small batch production, describes the modelling of DPP system, and shows the evaluation result of DPP by using simulation.