The Introduction of Group Technology Via Coding Techniques:A case study

Abstract

The introduction of Group Technology in an established batch production company using coding techniques is described in detail and -the writer examines the "present state of the art' along with the particular considerations developed in a typical case study. The 'Overall System Approach' is endorsed but recognition is given to a practical, though §necessarily limited, introduction.  The application of classification and coding techniques is described, and the use of conventional and special code types in the creation of improved information retrieval is discussed along with-the creation of associated conventions. The need for unique component codes is highlighted and the design of such systems described. Selected component types are endorsed as offering greatest potential for the initial implementation and the practical interpretation and application of the Opitz Code is detailed. Rotational components are shown to offer the greatest potential for the introduction at the company involved and the code families established are critically analysed in the design of production groupings. The translation of basic code families into production families, and hence machine loads, is described in the design and structure of machine groups or cells. The principal parameters and restrictions of this work are defined and the limited introduction of Group Technology in a particular production area is reported. The practical aspects of introducing a 'pilot line' are described -along with am evaluation of the resulting introduction. The value of the Opitz Codes an aid to production is critically examined with rotational components, reference being made to practical code interpretations, and its fundamental accuracy with non-rotational components is contrasted with Production Flow Analysis.