SMIRT: a 3D based approach for manufacturing process management

Transcription

1 Page 1 SMIRT: a 3D based approach for manufacturing process management Cosimo Galante July 5th, 2012

2 Page 2 : abstract The 3D paperless process concept makes a step forward with the SMIRT solution, extending the use of three dimensional graphic software from the design documentation up to the full management of manufacturing processes. Process efficiency Reduce errors Control of the process Reduce costs Improve the business

3 Page 3 : the origin The initial concept of SMIRT In late 90 s solid design of stamping dies was growing, progressively replacing traditional 2D design. Some advanced design system already had the ability to manage stock list and technical information within the solid data. 2D drawings were created anyway, to bring the design information to the shop-floor and to other non CAD specialist users. SMIRTware was established in 1998 with the scope of providing a simple access to the solid data and to all the information included. SMIRT stands for Solid Model Information Retrieval Technology. The first product created was a solid model viewer capable to completely substitute paper docs: Powerful dimensioning, annotation and sectioning tools Full stock-list with bi-directional interactivity (list to graphics graphics to list) Data sets to match safety and flexibility

4 Page 4 : the evolution Empower machine operators The full access to design data through the SMIRT viewer produced a first great efficiency, enabling a true paperless process. The second step was to provide the machine operators with a software module to directly cut the solid for planar milling and drilling: Integrated with the SMIRT viewer Unique drag & drop technology Effortless and full management of head rotation Automatic hole feature recognition Real time collision check The third step was to extend the SMIRT concept to 3D milling: Integrated with the other SMIRT modules Automated preparation process: no CAD skills required Simplified template based approach for shop floor usage Full functionality for the CAM room and to prepare templates

5 Page 5 The three stages: Planning Scheduling Control Critical issues in the traditional approach Different software tools required Drawings and sketches required to document the process tasks Additional documentation Manual input of task description Difficult to keep the planning updated in time

6 Page 6 The SMIRT way Make the manufacturing plan in the SMIRT solid model environment Creation of the plan is easy, and no additional documentation is required Best practice processes are reused in time Access to detailed task descriptions is easy and fast The work status is easily updated Simple tools are provided to create reports for management Design solid data Manufacturing process plan

7 Page 7 Creating the SMIRT plan The plan is created with few simple steps Select the items involved in the operation Assign the operation to a department / group of resources Predecessors and successors are automatically determined Select machining features and specify the finishing level required Drag & drop items for assembly tasks Add notes if needed The labor hours are automatically computed based on customer specific formulas All the steps are performed in the 3D graphic environment Details of the task created Operation ID Task Labor hours

8 Page 8 Feed the scheduling process The plan created in SMIRT includes all the information needed for scheduling: Unique task identification Departments / groups of resources Labor hours Predecessors and successors A custom interface is developed to transfer data to the customer s scheduler and other administration & control tools No additional user inputs are required save time and reduce errors CAD data SMIRT file SMIRT file with plan Scheduler & other customer s systems

9 Page 9 Access the plan at operation level Just open the SMIRT design: planning information is there Retrieve the operation to be performed from a list (filtered by department) Items involved in the operation and clear descriptions of the tasks are displayed The graphics on the screen is a fully operational solid model, not a picture Machining tasks may be performed with the other SMIRT modules Filters List of operations Operation view Preview

10 Page 10 Update the work in progress status The worker on the shop floor or the team leader checks-off each task as completed The check off information is stored in the network and is automatically visible from all the SMIRT workstations All the planners, final users and managers can see what has been completed and what s left to be done All the information is visible from within the SMIRT design file, no additional tools or documentation Check-off the tasks completed All the views are updated with the current work status

11 Page 11 Reporting All the work in progress information are available in the SMIRT data sets on the network A simple tool is provided to create reports for project management and plant management Reports can be created at different detail levels for different purposes: All plant wok in progress By project By single product By department By operation

12 Page 12 Conclusion SMIRT provides tools for a manufacturing process management integrated within the product's design data The advantages of the 3D Paperless process are extended from the technical office to the entire process management Effortless and clear 3D representation Reduced errors Improved data management The best practice process is refined and captured in time and made available as process template to be re-used for new projects SMIRT helps the activation of the virtuous process management loop: Savings Planning Improvements Control Analysis

13 Page 13 : thank you for your attention SMIRTware Inc ( Vero Software) Beck Road, Suite 310, Wixom, MI, 48393, USA -