An approach to the implementation of factory coordination and production activity control systems

Abstract

In the preceding chapters, we described the necessary functional and software requirements of a shop floor control system, which consists of a Factory Coordination (FC) system controlling a number of Production Activity Control (PAC) systems. In this chapter, we are concerned with the design and implementation of such a shop floor control system. The structure of the chapter is as follows:

• 1 We shall discuss some principles which are relevant in terms of ensuring a successful implementation of the functional and software requirements of FC and PAC systems. In particular, we stress the importance of preparing a suitable environment both socially and technically for FC and PAC systems to function. We will argue that this best fit of the social and technical subsystems, achieved through the sociotechnical design approach, helps to create a suitable manufacturing environment.

• 2 We shall discuss the contribution that sociotechnical design can make towards the implementation of production management systems, by using the experiences from the implementation of Materials Requirement Planning (MRP) systems and Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS) to outline the argument in favour of sociotechnical design.

• 3 Finally, we shall examine the characteristics of the most suitable social and technical sub-systems within an organization for the operation of FC and PAC.