A systems approach to manufacturing systems design

The authors discuss manufacturing methodology evolution at British Aerospace Dynamics at Lostock. The prerequisites for any manufacturing systems design methodology are: efficient cost effective product design suitable for manufacture; reduction in cost through waste elimination; and understanding customers' true requirements. These topics are briefly considered. The authors then give a description of manufacturing design methodology covering the six levels involved: define business drivers; define work venues; define in-house manufacturing process; define details of individual cells; define manufacturing process; and define operational walkpath and activities.