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Original Date: 08/07/1995
Revision Date: 01/18/2007
Best Practice : Factory Layout Planning Techniques
Tactical aircraft, manufacturing such as at Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems (LMTAS) dictates a detailed factory layout. Traditional two-dimensional factory layouts describe the size and location of manufacturing and support equipment, but do not easily illustrate other important issues such as capacity, manufacturing sequence, span times, or handling criteria.
To offset the inherent limitations of this two-dimensional factory layout planning, LMTAS produces its facility layout in three-dimensions using Intergraph Computer-Aided Design (CAD) workstations and AutoMod virtual manufacturing software. A two-dimensional layout is first generated, after which solid models of tooling, parts, and material handling devices are incorporated. Capacity, sequence, span times, and other constraints are then associated with the solid models. The most practical and effective layout solution is then iteratively determined by altering the relative positions of equipment or modifying any of the other model constraints. Considerable planning and data collection must first take place to optimize the most efficient means of producing aircraft.
Control and coordination of the planning process is critical to produce efficient manufacturing layouts. The LMTAS Facilities department has direct control over the budgeting and procurement of capital equipment which increases the department’s ability to deliver equipment which will meet a need at the appropriate time. Strong coordination with departments representing employee safety, fire protection, ergonomics, and environmental issues ensures that facility plans meet or exceed applicable regulations and standards.
Since the installation of LMTAS’ Intergraph and AutoMod systems, facility engineers have interfaced their workstations with other data systems to facilitate scenario testing, capacity analysis, rate tool analysis, and manpower planning. These considerations can now be fully addressed using a combination of virtual manufacturing tools and planning control/coordination to ultimately provide optimum financial savings.
For more information see the
Point of Contact for this survey.
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