A model-based engineering process for increasing productivity in discrete manufacturing

In a competitive market, manufacturing enterprises require a process of continuous on-going improvement in order to maintain and enhance productivity and a competitive edge. The use of Information Systems (IS) has been increasingly playing a critical role in any such engineering process. The primary drivers are efficiency and quality increase through automation facilitation of better business processes and improved decision making. The engineering process involves use of an IS for collection of relevant production data, visualization, analysis and decision making. Many problems and issues relating to the design, development, integration, evolution and maintenance of ISs in large-scale and complex plants have become apparent which are not adequately addressed by the traditional Process Monitoring and Control (PM&C) systems. Model Integrated Computing (MIC) offers a feasible approach towards providing cost-effective development, integration, evolution and maintenance of ISs through the extensive use of models during the life cycle. This paper describes the application of MIC in the engineering process for improving productivity in the context of discrete manufacturing operations at Saturn. The Saturn Site Production Flow (SSPF) system is a client-server application, designed to provide an integrated problem-solving environment. It presents consistent and pertinent information, provides analysis and decision support services that are needed for informed decision making by the team members and leaders within Saturn.