Objective
The general taxonomy classifies furniture components in a hierarchical structure according to features such as outer shape, groups of shape, dimensions and specific features. The developed general coding and classification taxonomy for furniture components is made detailed to such an extent that it includes most features that are likely to be encountered. This taxonomy is developed to an extent that makes a factory specific tailoring easy. The taxonomy can be used as a basis for developing and structuring databases that handle computer assisted design (CAD) drawing administrations and materials requirements planning (MRP) systems. It is to be regarded as a basic development tool on which further development and customization can be built.
A group technology (GT) software package, DCLASS, was used as the working tool for initial classification development work. The developed structure is hierarchical or tree structured. This general part classification functioned as a guideline for developing a factory specific classification system which would meet the factory's special products and needs. CIMTEL coding and classification database management system (DBMS) was chosen to build up a working GT prototype system. CIMTEL operates with a flat taxonomy which fitted the needs of the factories.
A working GT prototype which consists of CIMTEL, a computer aided design (CAD) package, AutoCAD, and the display program Automanager is lined together. In this system it is possible to create a search profile upon a preclassification of a new design. The CIMTEL creates an extract file which matches the search profile. The display program enables the designer to glance through the selected drawings.
A variant of this prototype system has been developed. Instead of using AutoCAD, another CAD system, PERSONAL DESIGNER, was linked to the prototype system. The display program was substituted by a microlanguage program to handle the display functions within PERSONAL DESIGNER.
A third variant of the prototype consists of a tailored classification program using dBase III+.
The developed GT prototype has been tested in different kinds of furniture factories. From these tests it is concluded that the classification system has proved its functionality in retrieval of drawings, in retrieval of drawings of components with a specific dimension and in retrieval of components made in a specific material or material combination. It can also be used as a tool to ensure that a new design is within the company specific policy according to the dimensions, materials, production possibilities, etc.
Implementation of a new product strains many functions in a factory, including marketing, sales, purchasing of raw materials, technical design, process planning, calculation, quality control, and storage. Group technology (GT) and computer aided design/computer aided manufacture (CAD/CAM) are possible methods to establish more effective and compatible production. This project involved the development of a prototype, design specific classification, and coding taxonomy for components in the furniture industry.
A GT software package, DCLASS, was used as the working tool for initial classification development work. A hierarchical or tree structure was developed. This general taxonomy classifies furniture components according to features such as outer shape, groups of shape, dimensions and specific features. It was developed in such a way as to make factory specific tailoring easy. This general part classification system functioned as a guideline for developing factory specific classification systems. A working GT prototype consisting of CIMTEL, AutoCAD, and the display program Automanager linked together was developed. In this system, it is possible to create a search profile upon a preclassification of a new design. The CIMTEL creates an extract file to match the search profile. The display program enables the designer to glance through selected drawings. A variant of this program using PERSONAL DESIGNER, another CAD system, was also developed. The display program was substituted by a microlanguage program to handle the display functions. A third variant consisting of a tailored classification program using dBase III+ was also developed.
The system was tested in 3 different kinds of furniture factories. Before testing, the system had to be tailored for each factory's special products and needs. From the tests carried out in the factories, the conclusions are that the classification system and the prototype developed have proven functionality in a number of areas, inc luding retrieval of drawings, retrieval of drawings and components with a specific dimension, and retrieval of components made in a specific material or material combination. The system can also be used as a tool to make sure that a new design falls within a company specific policy with regard to dimensions, materials, production possibilities, etc.
THE OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT IS TO ANALYSE, DEVELOP AND DOCUMENT UNIVERSAL AND FACTORY SPECIFIC CLASSIFICATION AND CODING TAXONOMIES FOR COMPONENTS IN THE FURNITURE INDUSTRY.
THESE TAXONOMIES AND CODING STRUCTURES SHALL BE USED FOR COMBINING GROUP TECHNOLOGY- AND CAD-CAM-PROGRAMMES INTO SOFTWARE SYSTEMS, APPLICABLE TO ALL SECTORS OF THE FURNITURE INDUSTRY WITHIN THE EEC MEMBER COUNTRIES.
THE SYSTEMS WILL BE TESTED IN PILOT STUDIES IN AT LEAST THREE INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES.
Fields of science
Topic(s)
Data not availableCall for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinator
SG1 2EW Stevenage - Hertfordshire
United Kingdom