Analysing changeability and time parameters due to levels of Automation in an assembly system

Paper in proceeding, 2008

Products of today are becoming increasingly customized. Smaller batches in the assembly and decreasing time limits for set-ups between products are some of the resulting demands on the assembly systems, due to the increasing number of variants in the assembly flow. Consequently, assembly systems have to become more flexible and efficient. When companies adopt automated solutions, there is a need to determine the correct amount of automation. It is also necessary to identify the optimal parts of the value-flow to be automated. In automation decisions it is necessary to consider human resources, as well as mechanical technology and information flow. The paper will discuss the importance of measuring different time parameters in an assembly system. Furthermore an analysis of the ability to change level of automation in an assembly system will be discussed based on theory and a case study example