MET 546 (Spring 2005) rev 1/20/05
(Formerly known as TECH 546)
Industrial Applications of Computer Integrated Manufacturing
Henry W. Kraebber, PE, CPIM
Mechanical Engineering Technology Department
Purdue University - Knoy Hall of Technology
West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-2021
E-mail: kraeb@purdue.edu
765-494-5039(o) 765-497-4097(h)
What is CIM? Computer Integrated Manufacturing is much more that automation, CAD, CAM and CNC. This class takes a high level "strategic" look at CIM and its impact on an industrial operation. During the course you will read through three books and complete an independent project. It sounds like a lot, but you'll learn a lot about CIM and manufacturing along the way.
Course Background: The problem of integrating technology, business systems and people is an important issue now facing many manufacturing companies. Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) includes sets of techniques of operation that can help a manufacturing company sustain a competitive advantage over its competition in the marketplace. Technology graduates preparing for a career in manufacturing must have a fundamental understanding of this important approach to the management of the company's resources, how CIM is implemented, and how companies have used CIM to improve their competitive position. This course takes a business level "operations view" of CIM and its impact on a manufacturing company. The course has been a great success in the past.
Course Level: This proposed course is directed toward graduate students in Technology, as well as senior undergraduate students in CPT, CIMT, MET and IT. The Technology graduate program has identified a need for elective courses such as MET 546 to support students in the manufacturing related Master of Science program offered in the School of Technology.
Prerequisites: None. Students interested in this course must have a basic knowledge of the operation of a manufacturing enterprise. This class is intended to have broad appeal to students of manufacturing in the School of Technology. Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) deals directly with the implementation of change in the workplace. The study of CIM and how it can be successfully implemented is important to our students, the manufacturing and operations managers of the future.
This course addresses the topic of CIM from a high level operational perspective. Students in the bachelors and Master of Science programs related to manufacturing in the School of Technology do not currently have a course that provides in-depth exposure to CIM above the automation (lowest) level. This course provides students with a detailed study of this integrated approach to manufacturing operations. It supports other manufacturing related courses such as TECH 508 - Quality and Productivity in Industry and Technology, and TECH 564 - Measurement and Evaluation in Industry and Technology.
Text Books: Three primary books will be used in class…
The Goal, Second Revised Edition. (Eli Goldratt)
Lean Thinking, 2nd ed. (Womack and Jones)
Real Numbers (Cunningham and Fiume)
Course outline: MET 546 presents a current definition of Computer Integrated Manufacturing and a view of integration in manufacturing as a strategy for improving the operation of the enterprise. The course addresses the development of CIM from the application of basic automation to a fully integrated system for the operation of the enterprise and its business strategy. Emphasis will be placed on the technology, systems and human resources that are to be integrated to better meet the objectives of the company. Case studies are used to highlight the concepts of CIM, illustrate successful implementations and potential implementation problems.
Upon successful completion of MET 546, students will:
Possess an understanding of definitions, terminology and technology related to Computer Integrated Manufacturing, and its implementation.
Be able to define and give applications of CIM models and several types/levels of CIM and integrated systems.
Understand and be able to provide examples of the fundamental principles of CIM and its relationship to industrial systems such as lean production and six-sigma.
Complete a synthesis report that pulls together the common threads from the variety of discussions, speakers, activities, readings and plant visits that are experienced during the semester.
Independent study alternative: Complete an assessment of CIM technology applications and/or "readiness" at a local/regional manufacturing company, or another approved research report on a CIM related topic.
Plan for the class…
Much of the material supporting our class visits to companies and discussions will come from the three books listed above. All of these books are “non-traditional” texts. The first two…The Goal and Lean Thinking should be available at the bookstores, however the prices may be better if ordered through an Internet book seller. We will cover this in the first week’s meeting. The last book is best ordered through http://www.amazon.com/ by each student.
Students should follow the following reading sequence to keep pace with the class discussions. Plan to take notes on the material as you read it and post questions and comments to WebCT.
Week 1: January 10 Presenting the overview of the changing landscape of manufacturing operations as a result of new technology. Setting the stage for change in manufacturing, and the message of The Goal.
Week 2: January 17 (no class… ML King Holiday) The Goal, participants to finish reading…
Week 3: January 24 Reading - The Goal, MRP to ERP, JIT to Toyota Production System to Lean Manufacturing and "10 steps to CIM and Lean"
Special Guest: Dave Hotler, author of "The Elephant in the Room", and "Dynamic Leans this Way" (see the WebCT)
Still in the planning stage...
Week 4: January 31 Reading - Lean Thinking - Plant visit to GreyIron Corp.
Week 5: February 7 Reading - Lean Thinking - In-class discussion... Accounting and lean systems (Rick Anderson Teleconf.)
Week 6: February 14 Reading - Lean Thinking - Class meeting in the "digital learning collaboratory"... host Jennifer Sharkey
Week 7: February 21 Real Numbers - Plant visit to Subaru (in the works)
Week 8: February 28 Real Numbers - Plant visit to TRW
Week 9: March 7 Plant visit to Caterpillar
March 9 Release of take home exam
Spring Break
Week 10: March 21 No scheduled class... work on the take home over reading assignments due by 11:30 am on Friday, March 25
Week 11: March 28 Special Guest Speakers: Mark Probasco and Rex Larowe from EDS Corp. Applications of Wireless Technology
Week 12: April 4 Special extended class – Plant visit to Delphi Electronics, Kokomo, IN
Week 13: April 11 Reports on additional reading from my favorite books list...
Week 14: April 18 In class discussions of class elements and their linkages
Week 15: April 25 Guest presentation from TECH 546 Alum: Bart Erwin
Synthesis report - due by Noon on Friday, April 29th
Grading and Assignments:
Class Discussions: Class participation in discussion, case analysis and individual presentations of assigned case studies and readings. Be an active participant in class discussions and with guest speakers. Be sure to have read the assigned material before coming to class.
(10%) Plant Visit and Guest Speaker Reports: Our visits to different plants in the area and presentations by guest speakers provide a great opportunity to see and hear about what is happening in the real world of manufacturing. This class was scheduled late in the day to allow the group time to travel and visit a number of plants that within driving distance of West Lafayette and to make it easier for our guest speakers. Class participants are expected to prepare a written “debriefing” summary using WebCT for each of the plants we visit and each night of guest speakers. (Expect 5-6 plant reports and 2-3 guest speaker nights.)
(35%) Mid Term Exam: One written exam is planned to check up on your understanding of key concepts presented in the three primary books assigned for this class. This will be a take home exam.
(55%) Synthesis report: Your primary assignment is to pull together what you have learned from the variety of discussions, speakers, activities, readings and plant visits that you have experienced this semester. Plan on this as your primary activity during the last month of this class. I am looking for your thoughts and comments on this broad topic area. How do you see these pieces fitting together? What common treads weave through this material? Where are the conflicts? What has opened your eyes and how can this be of benefit to you in your future? Expect this report to be 20 to 25 pages, double spaced, plus any figures or appendix materials.
Grade determination: Modified straight scale, (93%/84%/75%)