A reconfiguration concept to enable versatile production in the automotive factories

Abstract

The configuration process of automotive production involves several repetitive and redundant activities that are nonproductive and cost intensive in handling high variant diversity in a time and cost efficient way. Moreover, the strict environmental legislations have compelled the manufacturers to achieve eco-efficient production. This paper highlights the issues and the relevant problems related to the re-configuration of the mass customized production based on the versatile production setups. An example of automotive body shop setups is taken to implement and validate the concept. The concept is envisaged to enable smart, scalable, quick and eco-efficient production.