Application of Axiomatic Design principles to control complexity dynamics in a mixed-model assembly system: a case analysis

Abstract

International audienceThe purpose of this paper is to test the validity of Axiomatic Design (AD) based complexity theory as an explanatory construct and as a methodological guidance for the early detection of need for change in manufacturing systems in order to maintain competitiveness even in turbulent environmental conditions. The AD approach postulates that there are general design principles that govern the behaviour of a system. This proposition is empirically investigated for a mixed-model assembly system by the examination of a long-term study conducted in a medium-sized industrial company. The findings of the long-term study suggest the introduction of a company specific cycle of functional periodicity in combination with a set of functional requirements working together as a regular trigger to detect whether the system range is moving away from the once defined manufacturing system's design range. The paper extends the research work made in the field of Axiomatic Design by focusing on mechanisms that help to control the effects of time-dependent complexity in manufacturing (re)design. Examples of methods and lead measures are given that can be used by organizations in early detecting and controlling complexity driven efficiency losses in manufacturing systems

Assembly line balancing by using axiomatic design principles: An application from cooler manufacturing industry

“…AD is also one of the tools used in lean manufacturing and offers designers a very useful structure in order to achieve the final design object (Nordlund and Tate, 1996;Matt, 2012). Many companies use AD methodology to develop new products, processes, and approaches.…”

“…Houshmand and Jamshidnezhad (2004) used the AD methodology, which was developed based on lean manufacturing principles, to redesign a car body assembly line. Matt (2012) used AD principles to control complexity dynamics in a mixed-model assembly system. Matt (2013) proposed a design approach based on AD principles to control the sensitivity of assembly systems to fluctuations.…”

The Iterative Nature of the “Zig” and How to Define the “Hows”

“…Matt uses the set of physical equations to design a "flexible assembly operation focused on consumer demand". Evaluating the effects on variations on demand and annual evolution of an enterprise, he proposes a reinitialization loop to allow a functional periodicity in the management design of an enterprise [17].…”

Optimization of design parameters of a limited angle torque motor using analytical hierarchy process and axiomatic design theory

“…The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) is one of the useful multi-criteria decision-making tools developed by Saaty (1977). Also, Indicator design for passenger car (Cebi & Kahraman, 2010a), evaluation of emergency core cooling systems (Heo & Lee, 2007), design of the integrity of shaft surfaces for rotating lip seals (Brown, 2011), application of AD principles to control complexity dynamics in a mixed-model assembly system (Matta, 2012), and designing a tunable microscope and single-lens-reflex magnifier, and point-and-shoot camcorders (Lo & Helander, 2007), are examples of AD implementations in product design. Generally, implementing the AHP is based on the expert's knowledge, objective, and subjective evaluation of the goal, criteria, sub-criteria, and alternatives (Ho, 2008).…”