Object-oriented methodology applied to materials management systems.

摘要

Materials management computer systems (MMS) play an important role in maximizing labor productivity, reducing materials surplus, improving vendor relations, and optimizing cash flow. At present, most materials management computer systems are based on a relational database structure, and therefore are not easily integrated with external programs. This research focuses on a strategy to enhance the traditional concept of a materials management computer system using object-oriented programming methodologies. Whereas the traditional MMS does link the various functions of materials management, there is also a need to integrate the MMS with design and scheduling. Integrating the MMS with design ensures that updates of design data are rapidly reflected in the takeoff file and eliminates problems related to materials availability and surplus. Linking the MMS to scheduling permits just in time (JIT) scheduling of procurement. The typical MMS could also be enhanced by incorporating knowledge-based systems to aid materials managers with decisions pertaining to purchase order consolidation, commodity code generation, and vendor selection.; To illustrate the advantages associated with the object-oriented approach to MMS integration, a model for an object-oriented piping MMS was developed. Steps for developing the object-oriented model were identified and exemplified by using materials management applications. The model was used to develop a prototype object-oriented MMS in a tutorial format using the C++ language. The tutorial has been evaluated by a number of industry professionals who are familiar with construction materials management and data processing. These industry reviewers provided subjective information with respect to the benefits associated with the development and maintenance of object-oriented programming software and the value of the linking interfaces that have been incorporated into the tutorial.