An Approach to the Application of the Design Structure Matrix for Assessing Reconfigurability of Distributed Manufacturing Systems

摘要

In recent years, a large number of approaches to developing distributed manufacturing systems has been proposed. One of the principle reasons for these developments has been to enhance the reconfigurability of a manufacturing operation; allowing it to readily adapt to changes over time. However, to date, there has only been a limited assessment of the resulting reconfigurability properties and hence it remains inconclusive as to whether a distributed manufacturing system design approach does in fact improve reconfigurability. Recently, the "Design Structure Matrix" has been proposed as a tool for assessing the modularity of elements in a distributed manufacturing system[4]. However, a clear and systematic approach to its application to distributed manufacturing systems has yet to be developed. This paper outlines such an approach in three phases: 1.)definition of system boundary and functionality 2.)identification of system components and finally 3.)identification of interfaces between components. The use of the Design Structure Matrix is illustrated in assessing a robot assembly cell designed on distributed manufacturing system principles.