Linear Approximation for Manufacturing Time Duration Planning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturing planning systems face challenges in efficiently generating planned time durations for complex manufacturing processes due to the high granularity of execution operations and intricate interrelationships, making it difficult for planning users to appreciate higher-level issues and optimize resource and material allocation.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that generates a linear approximation of overall time duration for manufacturing process operations by aggregating multiple execution operations, incorporating variable and fixed time components, setup and teardown times, and buffer times, allowing for simplified planning and resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If detailed execution operations are used to define manufacturing processes, then manufacturing precision and resource allocation accuracy are improved, but device complexity and planning difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the manufacturing process into two distinct levels: execution operations (detailed, granular) and planning operations (aggregated, simplified). This segmentation allows the system to maintain detailed resource allocation accuracy at the execution level while presenting a simplified view at the planning level, thereby resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of abstraction by creating planning operations that aggregate multiple execution operations. This dimensional transformation allows planners to work at a higher level of abstraction without losing access to detailed execution information when needed, effectively managing the complexity-precision trade-off.
2Ease of operation
If detailed execution operations are aggregated into planning operations, then ease of operation and planning efficiency are improved, but measurement precision and time duration accuracy may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces planning operations as an intermediary layer between detailed execution operations and high-level planning needs. This intermediary aggregates execution operations while preserving their individual time duration characteristics, allowing efficient planning at the aggregated level while maintaining the ability to calculate precise total durations by summing the underlying execution operation times.
3Productivity
If planning operations aggregate multiple execution operations, then productivity and planning speed are improved, but the ability to track and control individual operations may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains segmentation between planning operations (for productivity) and execution operations (for reliable tracking). The system structure preserves the detailed execution operation definitions and their relationships, ensuring that while planning is simplified and accelerated, the underlying detailed model remains intact for accurate tracking and control when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, computer program products and systems are disclosed for generating a planned time duration for a manufacturing process operation defined for planning purposes that includes an aggregation of multiple defined execution operations. Electronic information is received that specifies a production demand that requires use of the manufacturing process for fulfillment. A linear approximation is electronically generated of an overall time duration measure for the defined manufacturing process planning operation. The overall time duration measure is a sum of time components comprising at least a calculated measure for a variable time component for the longest of the multiple execution operations for the received production demand, and a fixed time duration measure for one send-ahead quantity for each of the multiple execution operations that is not the longest. The generated overall time duration measure is then returned.