Print Shop Station Layout Optimization via Workflow Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the optimal layout of stations in a job shop cell do not effectively consider the workflow and work volume between functions, leading to inefficient placement that can be costly to adjust due to infrastructure constraints.
Innovation Solution
A system using a computing device and computer-readable storage medium to receive workflow information, identify stations, determine target distances based on work volume, and generate a visual depiction for optimal placement on a floor plan, allowing users to adjust station positions while maintaining target distances and avoiding physical obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If stations are positioned to minimize transportation time between cells, then productivity is improved, but the cost of changing existing building infrastructures increases due to prohibitive infrastructure constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of workflow information and work volume between functions before finalizing the layout. It calculates target distances based on workflow requirements and generates visual depictions that can be applied to floor plans, allowing optimal positioning to be determined in advance without requiring costly infrastructure changes after implementation
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual depiction that is a copy or representation of the optimal station arrangement, which can then be applied to the actual floor plan. This allows the optimal layout to be visualized and planned without physically rearranging infrastructure, enabling cost-effective implementation by working with existing building structures
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing building infrastructures are changed to accommodate optimal cell layout, then station positioning flexibility is improved, but the cost associated with infrastructure changes increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of target distances and generates visual depictions before implementation, allowing optimal station positioning to be determined in advance. This enables flexibility in planning while avoiding costly infrastructure changes by identifying the best layout options before committing to physical modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters such as target distances between stations based on workflow information and work volume. By adjusting these parameters in the visual depiction rather than physically moving infrastructure, the system achieves adaptability in station positioning while avoiding the high costs of actual infrastructure modification
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining a location of stations in a cell of a job shop may include a computing device and a computer-readable storage medium in communication with the computing device. The computer-readable storage medium may include one or more programming instructions for receiving information corresponding to a workflow of a cell in a job shop. The information may include a plurality of print-related functions performable by the cell and an amount of work associated with one or more pairs of print-related functions. The computer-readable storage medium may include one or more programming instructions for identifying a plurality of stations in the cell, determining a target distance between one or more pairs of stations, generating a visual depiction of the identified stations, automatically applying the visual depiction to a floor plan, and displaying the visual depiction as applied to the floor plan to a user.