Reconfigurable materials handling system incorporating part tracking, routing and scheduling

Abstract

Reconfigurable manufacturing systems refer to the ability to vary the manufacturing process such that customized products can be manufactured on a large scale. Customization should not impair the production rate of any of the part assemblies. In this regard the tracking of the parts within the manufacturing cycle is important for ascertaining the location of parts within the cycle as well as the history of the completed parts. This paper outlines the development of a reconfigurable manufacturing materials handling system that uses Radio Frequency (RF) node based tracking system. It details information on a RF tag that is attached to a product. The product is tracked through the manufacturing cycle so that customized operations can be carried out using a mass customization manufacturing process. This paper further discusses the part routing and scheduling system used in the manufacturing cell.