Blackburn, M., Busser, R. & Nauman A. (2001). Removing Requirement Defects and Automating Test. Software Productivity Consortium NFP
This article underscores the problems that impede operations and growth. In this regard, the article discusses model based approaches to reducing defects in the production process. The article discusses the use of model-based approaches in order to reduce defects, reworks and rejects in order to increase scheduled savings and reduce costs. Automation of development and tests is important in the production process. According to the authors of the article, automation in this way helps reduce resources and time in an attempt to develop high quality production systems. This article is important for this topic as it gives a different perspective to the preparation of systems for automation.
Pinfold, M. (2004). Using knowledge based engineering to automate the post-processing of FEA results. International Journal of Computer Application in Technologies. 21(3). 99-106.
Production systems range from basic product manufacturing to the manufacturing of components used in everyday products. Finite element techniques are important components of the design process, even before production begins. The use of manual design systems often does not produce satisfactory results. In this article, the authors underscore the need for automation of the design process in readiness for production. Even though the article delves into ways of automating the design process, the main themes in the article revolve on the importance of automation in the finite element post processing and design stages of the production process.
Adolf, M. et al., (2012). More energy efficiency through process automation. ZVEI - Zentralverband Elektrotechnik- und Elektronikindustrie e. V.
Johansson, J. (2008). Design Automation Systems for Production Preparation: Applied on the Rotary Draw Bending Process. Jönköping. Jönköping University
Preparation of production systems is very significant in any manufacturing company. In cognition of this fact, this article looks at the preparation of the production process for automation, in the context of increased competition in global markets. According to the article, the automation of the production process benefits the company through reduced lead times, improved performance, and decreased cost. However, the author underlines the conflicting rules and flexibility of the systems used in design automation. Unlike the other three articles, the authors in this article give arguments and present evidence on both sides of the production process automation divide. The author shows how automatic controls lead to the stabilization of processes that are inherently unstable. This is through reference tracking and attenuation of any disturbances.
Hollender, M. (2010). Collaborative process automation systems. Research Triangle Park, NC: ISA.
Georgakopoulos, D. & Hornick, M. (1995). An Overview of Workflow Management:From Process Modeling to Workflow Automation Infrastructure. Distributed and Parallel Databases, 3, 119-153.
Process simplification is important in the production process. Through process simplification, less errors are committed and wastages are also reduced greatly. It is this concept that the authors of this article exemplify through the literature presented. The authors argue through the automation of the workflow infrastructure, businesses can optimize their operations and compete favorably on the global scene. The literature in this paper is appropriate for this topic because it not only addresses new and upcoming manufacturing industries, but also existing industries that operate on processes that are entirely manual.
Stohr, E. & Zhao, J. (2001). Workflow Automation: Overview and Research Issues. Information Systems Frontiers. 3, 3: 281-296
Vokurka, R. & O'Leary-Kelly, S. (2000) A review of empirical research on manufacturing flexibility. Journal of Operations Management, 18, (4), 485-501
Achieving a competitive advantage in any market is dependent on the flexibility of the production systems at any manufacturing plant. In recognition of this premise, this article presents empirical research regarding issues of production flexibility, with a special focus on process automation. According to the authors, research in this area is fragmented as it is still a new frontier. Nonetheless, the literature presented in the article and the permutations in the article present variables that one should consider when preparing for automation of the production process. Even though the article does not give general information like the other articles, the research perspectives on the concept of process automation are still important.
Narain, R.,. Yadav, R., Sarkis, J. & Cordeiro, J. (2000) "The strategic implications of flexibility in manufacturing systems", International Journal of Agile Management Systems, 2:3, 202 – 213.
Production process automation leads to flexibility in the manufacturing process. Process automation has gained momentum in the recent past. The authors in this article reckon it is important for manufacturing plants, preparing to automate their production processes to understand the implications of the flexibility that results from automation. In this regard, this article presents the relationship between the flexibility resulting from process automation and strategic objectives. The authors posit that in envisioning the automation of production processes, it is important for organizations to consider the implications of the process on company objectives. Such divergent views are important for the development of this topic, making this article very appropriate.
Kibira, D. & McLean, C. (2002). Manufacturing modeling methods: virtual reality simulation of a mechanical assembly production line. WSC 02 Proceedings of the 34th Conference on Winter Simulation: Exploring New Frontiers: 1130-1137.
In order to increase efficiency, many assembly lines partition their operations so that they are done in different work stations. In this article, the authors explore the partitioning of the operations in the assembly line into different tasks and consequent allocation of these tasks to different workstations. In the author’s conception, certain issues inherent in this method of automation complicate this problem even further. Such authors include material handling, cycle time, cycle time and balancing the assembly lines. The arguments of the authors are negatively comparable to the production systems at Ford and Toyota. Nonetheless, the article helps bring more perspective in topic development.
Sarker, B., Jamal, A. Mondal, S. (2008). Optimal batch sizing in a multi-stage production system with rework consideration, European Journal of Operational Research, 184: 3, 915-929.
The rework process is an integral process in a manufacturing system. It helps to reduce wastages, hence reducing the operational costs. In a production system that allows rework, it is important to determine optimal batch sizes. This is important in reducing inventory costs. Through this aspect the authors underscore the importance of process automation in production systems. This is important because it reduces waiting time, setup time, work-in processes and rework processing. Optimizing the batch size automatically is important in the production process. The implications. This article is necessary because it considers reworking and its importance in the production process.
Lastra, J. & Delamer, I. (2006). Semantic web services in factory automation: fundamental insights and research roadmap. Industrial Informatics, IEEE Transactions on 2: 1, 1 – 11.
With the increasing automation of production processes, production plants could face significant challenges regarding reconfiguration, especially with the rapid changes in technological advancements. According to the authors, these challenges are exarcerbated when need to introduce new components or processes arises. The main challenge is that in such a case, existing components of the production process are required to work in cohesion with novel entities, although there is not previous collaboration. In the preparation for automation of production processes, organizations should consider the implications of this article. This article is important because it offers diverse perspectives that affect the preparation for automation.
Sacks,R, Radosavljevic, M. & Barak, R. (2010). Requirements for building information modeling based lean production management systems for construction, Automation in Construction, 19: 5, 641-655
Process automation is important in different fields. Even in the construction industry, smooth flow is required. Work flow stability can be enhanced through the automation of many processes. This is also important for the cohesion of the teams tasked with different responsibilities. The authors of the article posit that process automation is important in reducing wastages and improving workflow. This article is important for topic development because it does not only bring divergent perspectives on the applications of process automation, but also the different industries in which it can be applied.
Daniel R., Guide J. (2000). Production planning and control for remanufacturing: industry practice and research needs, Journal of Operations Management, 18: 4, 467-483.
The remanufacturing industry is unlike the manufacturing industry in that it adds value to already used material by reusing them through recycling programs. The authors of the articles outline the widespread presence of the industries in the United States of America, and the fact that they are profitable. Certain problems in the remanufacturing industries can be solved by automation. This is because of imbalances in return, stochastic product returns, the unknown conditions of the products that are returned and the demand rates. The article also identifies different characteristics that challenge the automation process as well as ways of overcoming the challenges. This is very important in the preparation of a production system for automation.
Tang, L., Liu, J., Rong, A. & Yang, Z. (2001). A review of planning and scheduling systems and methods for integrated steel production, European Journal of Operational Research, 133: 1, 16, 1-20
The steel and iron industry is very important to the economies of industrialized nations. These industries are very capital intensive. There is also a big emphasis on advancements in technologies used in the production activities of the industry. According to the authors of the article, iron and steel industry are ideal for the automation process. The authors argue that automation in this industry reduces operational costs by saving on energy and increasing the productivity of the plant. Over and above the various processes that can be automated in this industry, the paper also gives general information that is important for organizations that are preparing for automation.
Frohm, et al., (2008). Levels of automation in manufacturing. Ergonomia - an International journal of ergonomics and human factors. Jönköping University
This article presents information about the levels of automation during production in a manufacturing industry. Through this information, the article gives a general overview of the manner in which tasks are allocated in systems that are not fully automated. The article also offers information on ways in which the levels of automation during production can be changed. This article is very important in the development of the topic because it explores domains from different manufacturing industries.
Cramam Y. (2011). Production Planning in Automated Manufacturing. New York. Springer.
This book overviews the quantitative approaches that are used in production systems where manufacturing is automated. Using the information presented in the book, companies that hope to fully automate their systems can troubleshoot. This information can also be used in the generation of ideas on how the process can be simplified under the new systems. The authors give a special focus on the use of tools efficiently in an automated manufacturing system. In this regard, the books are integral to this topic because it prepares one for eventualities during the production planning and the manufacturing itself.
Erbe, H. (2002). Low Cost Intelligent Automation In Manufacturing. Berlin. Technische Universität Berlin
As the title of the book suggests, the authors delve into the automation of production systems for small and medium enterprises. Since these enterprises may not have the financial capability to purchase big production machinery, the authors reckon that it is important for automation to be performed in the smaller systems that most of these enterprises have. The authors explore different possibilities in automation for smaller enterprises. This book is important for the topic because it gives diverse perspectives.
Altintas, Y. (2012). Manufacturing automation: Metal cutting mechanics, machine tool vibrations, and CNC design. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
There are many products that are made of metal. There has been an increase in the technology that is used in the cutting of metals. These new technologies apply scientific concepts and principles. The integration of these technologies with the automation of production systems is important for the metal industry. It is this thesis that the authors of the book explore deeply.
Gorlach, I. & Wessel, O. ( Optimal Level of Automation in the Automotive Industry. The Pennsylvania State University
It is arguable that automation in the automobile industry is because of increased competition. Due to this, companies have restrategized and revamped their production systems. This paper looks at this phenomenon, within the context of cost benefits from different advantages in this industry. This paper is important because it supplements other papers and articles regarding automation in relevant industries.
Morel, G., Panetto, H., Zaremba, M., & Mayer, F. (2003). Manufacturing Enterprise Control and Management System Engineering: paradigms and open issues, Annual Reviews in Control, 27, 2, 199-209.
The management of manufacturing enterprises is very vital to the success of the industry. Automation is key to service delivery through automated documentation. This paper looks at the emerging issues in enterprise management and the role of automation in the industry. This paper is important to contest development in the topic because it gives an overview of the issues surrounding the issue.
