production and planning systems

Question 1

How does production planning improve the design process?

Answer 1

• complex tasks can be split up
• identifying key tasks
• time management
• organise workforce

Question 2

How do Gantt charts emporve the design process?

Answer 2

• reducing the overall time spent to complete the project (lead time) and increase productivity
• saves the amount of space that is needed to store products / parts
• save money / labour costs
• Increased quality assurance procedures can be added to the process so that work is not carried out which then has to be dismantled so that corrections can be made to previous stages

Question 3

What are the benefits of flow charts?

Answer 3

waste is kept to a minimum (saving money) and problems in particular manufacturing stages can be identified and corrected

Question 4

What are the benefits of Just in time?

JIT

Answer 4

• structured planning of production system which is triggered by a customer order
• saves money and space on storage, reduces waste, shortens lead time and ensures there is no money wasted producing stock that will remain unsold

Question 5

What are the benefits of automation/ CNC machining?

Answer 5

• allowing manufacturers to produce more complex parts accurately and at much higher volumes
• increases productivity
• maximise workforce and labour requirements

Question 6

What are the benefits of one off production?

Answer 6

• one-off production an individual item is designed and made to meet a client’s specification

Question 7

What are the benefits of batch production?

Answer 7

• automation to reduce labour costs and will require the design engineer to consider how materials can be used efficiently and how samples can be tested to ensure quality
• automated machinery, jigs and templates to speed up production and eliminate time consuming repetition during manufacture (reduce Lead time)

Question 8

What are Jigs?

Answer 8

Device which allows the same process to be repeated easily and quickly without repeating time consuming work such as measuring (e.g. same hole is drilled in the correct location every time – increased accuracy & repeatability

Question 9

What are the benefits of mass production?

Answer 9

• designing products that will use cheap and quick assembly techniques to keep costs low

Question 10

What are the benefits of CAD:ACM?

Answer 10

• hugely efficient and often result in a reduction in the number of staff required, resulting in reduced labour costs
• Reduction of waste and tighter controls of finances result from better monitoring and stock levels (JIT)