DYNAMIC FORMATION OF EXTENDED MANUFACTURING CELLS FOR INCREASED SYSTEM RESPONSIVENESS

The paper presents a new methodology for prototyping of virtual (extended) manufacturing cells that takes into account the processing and capacity requirements of the part mix. The decision making is based on capacity constrained iterative methodology for matching of component requirements to facility capabilities using generic capability patterns termed "Resource Elements" (RE). The cell formation methodology utilises a fuzzy clustering approach with a cell validation procedure and performance measure for selecting an optimum workshop configuration. The proposed methodology facilitates dynamic formation of virtual manufacturing structures by providing accurate assessment of the component processing requirements and their matching to the available capabilities of the existing manufacturing facilities.