TR Sreeram and Asokan Thondiyath
The purpose of this paper is to present a combined framework for system design using Six Sigma and Lean concepts. Systems Engineering has evolved independently and there are…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a combined framework for system design using Six Sigma and Lean concepts. Systems Engineering has evolved independently and there are numerous tools and techniques available to address issues that may arise in the design of systems. In the context of systems design, the application of Six Sigma and Lean concepts results in a flexible and adaptable framework. A combined framework is presented here that allows better visualization of the system-level components and their interactions at parametric level, and it also illuminates gaps that make way for continuous improvement. The Deming’s Plan-Do-Check-Act is the basis of this framework. Three case studies are presented to evaluate the application of this framework in the context of Systems Engineering design. The paper concludes with a summary of advantages of using a combined framework, its limitations and scope for future work.
Design/methodology/approach
Six Sigma, Lean and Systems Engineering approaches combined into a framework for collaborative product development.
Findings
The present framework is not rigid and does not attempt to force fit any tools or concepts. The framework is generic and allows flexibility through a plug and play type of implementation. This is important, as engineering change needs vary constantly to meet consumer demands. Therefore, it is important to engrain flexibility in the development of a foundational framework for design-encapsulating improvements and innovation. From a sustainability perspective, it is important to develop techniques that drive rationality in the decisions, especially during tradeoffs and conflicts.
Research limitations/implications
Scalability of the approach for large systems where complex interactions exist. Besides, the application of negotiation techniques for more than three persons poses a challenge from a mathematical context. Future research should address these in the context of systems design using Six Sigma and Lean techniques.
Practical implications
This paper provides a flexible framework for combining the three techniques based on Six Sigma, Lean and Systems Engineering.
Social implications
This paper will influence the construction of agent-based systems, particularly the ones using the Habermas’s theory of social action as the basis for product development.
Originality/value
This paper has not been published in any other journal or conference.
Details
Keywords
Mehmet Bulent Durmusoglu and Canan Aglan
The inherent variability on process times and demand are the factors that prevent the efficient application of lean philosophy in multi-project product development (PD…
Abstract
Purpose
The inherent variability on process times and demand are the factors that prevent the efficient application of lean philosophy in multi-project product development (PD) environments. Considering this variability, a hybrid push–pull project control system is developed, and value stream costing (VSC) analysis is performed to reflect the relation between project lead time, capacity and project cost. The assessment of the push/pull project control on lead time improvement and long-term savings on capacity have been aimed with the proposed complete design structure.
Design/methodology/approach
In a team-based structure, formed through clustering, push control techniques for planning tasks within cross-functional teams and pull control techniques for planning tasks between cross-functional teams are developed. The final step evaluates the proposed structure through VSC and long-term savings have been pointed out, especially in terms of freed-up capacity. For the validation of the proposed methodology, an office furniture manufacturing firm’s PD department has been considered and the performance of the hybrid system has been observed through simulation experiments and based on the simulation results, the lean system is evaluated by VSC.
Findings
The results of simulation experiments show a superior performance of the proposed hybrid push/pull project control mechanism under different settings of cycle time between projects or shortly project cycle time, dispatching rules within teams and variability levels. The results of the Box-Score (tool to apply VSC) indicate increased capacity in the long term to add extra projects during the planning period with the same project lead time and without additional cost.
Research limitations/implications
Although extensive simulation experiments have been performed to quantify the effect of project control structure and positive results have been reported on lead time and cost, the proposed design structure has not been tested in all existing PD environments.
Originality/value
To the best of authors’ knowledge, the quantification of the effect of hybrid project control with VSC is the first attempt to be applied in lean PD projects.
Details
Keywords
Sunpreet Singh and Rupinder Singh
This paper aims to review the industrial and biomedical applications of state-of-the-art fused deposition modelling (FDM)-assisted investment casting (FDMAIC). Brief literature…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to review the industrial and biomedical applications of state-of-the-art fused deposition modelling (FDM)-assisted investment casting (FDMAIC). Brief literature survey of methodologies, ideas, techniques and approaches used by various researchers is highlighted and use of hybrid feedstock filament-based pattern to produce metal matrix composite is duly discussed.
Design/methodology/approach
Pattern replica required for investment casting (IC) of biomedical implant, machine parts, dentistry and other industrial components can be directly produced by using FDM process is presented. Relevant studies and examples explaining the suitability of FDMAIC for various applications are also presented.
Findings
Researches to optimize the conventional IC with FDM solutions and develop new hybrid feedstock filament of FDM done by researchers worldwide are also discussed. The review highlights the benefit of FDMAIC to surgeons, engineers and manufacturing organizations.
Research limitations/implications
The research related to this survey is limited to the suitability and applicability of FDMAIC.
Originality/value
This review presents the information regarding potential IC application, which facilitates the society, engineers and manufacturing organizations by providing variety of components for assisting FDM. The information reported in this paper will serve doctors, researchers, organizations and academicians to explore the new options in the field of FDMAIC.
Details
Keywords
W. Cheng, J.Y.H. Fuh, A.Y.C. Nee, Y.S. Wong, H.T. Loh and T. Miyazawa
In rapid prototyping, such as SLA (stereolithography apparatus) and FDM (fused deposition modelling), the orientation of the part during fabrication is critical as it can affect…
Abstract
In rapid prototyping, such as SLA (stereolithography apparatus) and FDM (fused deposition modelling), the orientation of the part during fabrication is critical as it can affect part accuracy, reduce the production time, and minimize the requirement for supports and, thus, the cost of building the model. Presents a multi‐objective approach for determining the optimal part‐building orientation. Considers different objectives such as part accuracy and building time. Objective functions have been developed based on known sources of errors affecting part accuracy and the requirements of good orientations during the building of a model. The objective functions employ weights assigned to various surface types affecting part accuracy. The primary objective is to attain the specified accuracy achievable with the process. The secondary objective is to minimize the building time. Gives examples to illustrate the algorithm for deriving the optimal orientation which can assure better part quality and higher building efficiency.