Knowledge based approach to assembly system reuse

Abstract

The reuse of assembly equipment allows the exploitation of its unused potential, thus complying with both the economic objective of a high level of cost efficiency and the ecological objective of a high level of resource efficiency. Surveys have revealed manifold challenges for practitioners. Lack of experiences with the reuse process, the insufficiently designed and prepared equipment, missing life-cycle documentation as well as missing holistic planning concepts for the reuse where identified as main obstacles. In order to meet these challenges, a framework consisting of methods, tools and business process reference models for assembly equipment reuse is proposed. The core element is a computer aided reuse planning application that allows planners to generate reuse options and provides decision support during the planning process. The knowledge based approach, including its structure and core inference processes, which support the application is explained. The service oriented architecture for the realization of the framework is presented. Copyright © 2008 by ASME.