Developing a methodology based on Value Stream Mapping for the Measurement of Automation Levels in Production Systems

摘要

From a production system perspective, both human and technological capabilities, automation, are important for balance and robustness. Separating and standardizing the balance allocation or relationship between theses two is termed levels of automation (LoA). The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of Value Stream Mapping to measure levels of automation in production value streams and to discuss suitable types of taxonomies for measuring automation. The results of two case studies show that different LoA models can be used when measuring, but preferable is to separate computerized and mechanized processes. A measurement methodology is also provided based on value stream mapping.