Page 278 - Sensors and Control Systems in Manufacturing

The Role of Sensors and Contr ol Technology in CIM
5.3.2.2 Process Development 237
This functional area creates process control specifications, manufac-
turing routings, quality test and statistical quality control specifica-
tions, and numerical control (NC) programming. It also validates the
manufacturability of product designs. Computer-aided process plan-
ning (CAPP) programs and group technology applications for rout-
ing similar parts have helped streamline these functions. Expert sys-
tems have also been used to supplement traditional product testing
and defect-analysis processes. This area is also responsible for the
application of new manufacturing technologies such as work cells,
conveyer systems, and robotics. Sensors and control systems play a
fundamental role within this work-cell structure.
Process development receives input from research and product
development, as well as statistical process data from plant opera-
tions. Output includes providing routings, process control algo-
rithms, and work-cell programming to plant operations by way of
engineering release control.
5.3.2.3 Facilities Engineering
The chief responsibility of facilities engineering is the installation of
plant automation incorporating new equipment with sensors and
control systems, material flow, inventory staging space, and tools.
Tools may include driverless material handling equipment, convey-
ers, and automated storage and retrieval systems. This area is also
responsible for plant layout and the implementation of such plant
services and utilities as electricity, piping, heat, refrigeration, and
light.
Input to facilities engineering is from research and process devel-
opment. Output, such as plant layouts, changes of schedule, and fore-
casts of new equipment availability, goes to plant operations.

5.3.2.4 Engineering Release Control
This function involves the coordination of the release of new prod-
ucts, processes, tools, and engineering changes to manufacturing. A
major checkpoint in the product cycle is obtaining assurance that all
necessary documentation is available, after which the information is
released to manufacturing.
Input is received from product and process development activi-
ties. Specific output, including product and tool drawings, process
and quality specifications, NC programs, and bills of material, is
transferred to production planning and plant operations.

5.3.2.5 Engineering Management
Among the activities of engineering management are introducing
engineering releases, controlling product definition data, estimating
cost, entering and controlling process data, and defining production
resources.