A Contribution for a Pragmatics-Based Approach to Concurrent Engineering Implementation

Abstract

This paper investigates how a pragmatics-based approach may influence Concurrent Engineering (CE) implementation projects. Pragmatics, a field of semiotics, is used as a perspective for analyzing and constructing manufacturing systems, i.e. CE implementation projects. Predominantly, as a part of the CE implementation strategy, which also includes CE readiness assessment, modeling and effects of different interpretations of the assessment of processes simultaneity, as pragmatics aspects are studied. This paper follows the theoretical framework of Semioticsbased Manufacturing Systems Integration [1] and [2] and presents its practical implementations, validation and implications in industrial environments.The main research thesis is that the assessment processes (within the CE readiness assessment) are interpretation dependent and, therefore, the application of traditional prescriptive methodologies may lead to failure or serious challenge of the projects. Further, as a second part of the thesis, that the application of a pragmatics-based approach might significantly improve potential for successful implementation of CE is validated.As an approach to a CE implementation strategy, the methodology based on the so-called simultaneity matrices (also called concurrency matrices) is used, for which two different interpretations are compared. The proposed methodology is validated in a reallife environment, i.e. in two SME manufacturing companies, which have planned to apply CE. The results confirm the expectations that different interpretations may imply different management decisions and, therefore, corrupt the best possible decision. Consequently, in order to assure the best decisions for the case under consideration, an improved methodology for CE implementation strategy (including the CE Readiness Assessment (CERA)), should include multiple interpretations, i.e. should apply the pragmatics-based approach.The relevance of the research is multifold: i) Although the CE concept has existed for over two decades, companies still struggle to implement it to its full capacity. In addition, despite CE developments towards collaborative engineering, no alternative approach that paradigmatically negates or eliminates the CE as obsolete has surfaced yet. In other words, the CE implementation projects have been reaffirmed as currently being valid; ii) In the present market, characterized by high levels of uncertainty, companies are in search of low costs and short implementation times, and trusted technologies. In fact, up to 70% of all new projects fail or are somehow challenged (The percentages are different by different sectors) [3]. Therefore, it is not surprising that companies are reluctant to implement new organizational projects. This implies the need for reliable CE implementation methodologies; A Contribution for a Pragmatics-Based Approach to Concurrent Engineering Implementation