Manufacturing Processes: Test 1, Chp. 1

Group Technology (GT)

A manufacturing technique in which parts having similarities in geometry, manufacturing process and/or functions are grouped together into families and can be manufactured in one location using a small number of machines or processes.

Cellular Manufacturing

Involves workstations, called manufacturing cells, typically containing several machines that are controlled by a central robot, each machine performing a different operation on the part.

Agile (agility) Manufacturing

Manufacturing that responds QUICKLY to customer desires and input through a highly integrated information technology communication system to produce high-quality, highly customizable modular products.

Manufacturing Proccesses

The process of converting raw materials into products using a variety of processes and methods.

Product Design Stage

The stage where generally 70-80% of the development and manufacturing costs are determined?

Computer Aided Process Planning (CAPP)

The use of computer technology to aid in the improvement of plant productivity by: optimizing process plans, reducing planning cost, and improving the consistency of product quality and reliability. I.e. Functions such as cost estimation and monitoring of work standards.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The use of machines and computers to replace human intelligence. Computer controlled systems are capable of learning from experience and can make decisions that optimize and minimize costs.

Total Quality Management (TQM)

A comprehensive and structured approach to organizational management that seeks to improve the quality of products and services through ongoing refinements in response to continuous feedback. AKA, the continuous process of reducing or eliminating errors in manufacturing.

Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS)

A method for producing goods that is readily adaptable to changes in the product being manufactured. This methodology integrates manufacturing cells into a large unit, all interfaced with a central computer. *Have the highest efficiency, sophistication, and productivity among manufacturing systems, but very costly.

Statistical Process Control (SPC)

A method of quality control which uses statistical methods in order to monitor and control a process. Monitoring and controlling the process ensures that it operates at its full potential.

Product Life Cycle (PLC)

A sequence of stages (typically 5) that a product goes through ranging from: product development stage, to market introduction stage, to growth stage, to maturation stage, and to decline stage. This sequence is associated with changes in the marketing situation, thus impacting the marketing strategy and the marketing mix.

Lean Production, or Lean Manufacturing

A systematic method for the elimination of all waste within a manufacturing system in order to improve the efficiency and profitability of a company, focuses on minimizing costs. Wastes assessments are based on efficiency and effectiveness of all operations, machinery, equipment, and # of personnel required to perform a task.

Concurrent Engineering

Also known as simultaneous engineering, is a method of designing and developing products, in which the different stages run simultaneously, rather than consecutively. It decreases product development time and also the time to market, leading to improved productivity and reduced costs.

Expert Systems

An applied field of (AI) where complex computer programs that have the ability to perform tasks and solve difficult real-life problems much as human experts would.

Just-In-Time Production (JIT)

An inventory strategy companies employ to increase efficiency and decrease waste by receiving and producing goods only as they are needed in the production process, thereby reducing inventory costs. This method requires producers to forecast demand accurately.

Automated Handling

Automated equipment that carries out the protection, storage, and control of materials throughout their manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, consumption, and disposal.

Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)

Commonly utilized in conjunction with CAD, uses computers to communicate instructions to automated machinery. These techniques are especially suited for manufacturing plants, where tasks are repetitive, tedious, or dangerous for human workers.

Quality Assurance

Consists of "that part of quality management" focused on providing confidence that quality requirements will be fulfilled. Today, systems emphasize preventing defects from occurring rather than to detect defects in final products.

Adaptive Control (AC)

The capability of the system to modify its own operation by automatic monitoring and adjustment of machining conditions in response to variations in operation performance.

Design For Manufacturing & Assembly (DFMA)

The combination of two methodologies; (1) the design for ease of manufacturing of the parts that will form a product, and (2) the design of the product considering ease, speed, and cost of putting the parts together.

Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM)

The manufacturing approach of using computers to control the entire production process. Designed to link CAD, CAM, industrial robotics, and machine manufacturing using unattended processing workstations. Offers uninterrupted operation from raw materials to finished product, with the added benefits of quality assurance and automated assembly.