Performance evaluation of production systems monitored by statistical process control and off-line inspections

Quality and productivity performance measures are very often considered in separate phases of the production system design process. However, the production system architecture affects the efficiency of the quality control system as well as the quality control configuration has an impact on the performance of the production system.The paper proposes a new analytical method for evaluating the performance of production systems in which statistical process control (SPC) techniques are implemented. Machines behaviour is monitored by measuring quality characteristics of the produced parts through off-line inspection devices and sampling inspections. The numerical results show the good accuracy of the proposed method, provide new insight in the relations among the two areas and pave the way to the joint design of production logistics and quality control systems.     

Minimal Euclidean distance chart based on support vector regression for monitoring mean shifts of auto-correlated processes

Though traditional control charts have been widely used as effective tools in statistical process control (SPC), they are not applicable in many industrial applications where the process variables are highly auto-correlated. In this study, one new minimal Euclidean distance (MED) based monitoring approach is proposed for enhancing the monitoring mean shifts of auto-correlated processes. Support vector regression (SVR) is used to predict the values of a variable in time series. Through calculating minimal Euclidean distance (MED) values over time series, a novel MED chart is developed for monitoring mean shifts, and it can provide a comprehensive and quantitative assessment for the current process state. The performance of the proposed MED control chart is evaluated based on average run length (ARL). Simulation experiments are conducted and one industrial case is illustrated to validate the effectiveness of the developed MED control chart. The analysis results indicate that the developed MED control chart is more effective than other control charts for small process mean shifts in auto-correlated processes, and it can be used as a promising tool for SPC.     

An International Investigation of Problem‐Solving Performance in the Semiconductor Industry*

Using a unique survey of engineers in major semiconductor companies located in Japan, South Korea, and the United States, this article analyzes how a firm's human resource (HR) system (i.e., practices that structure work, develop skills, and reward performance) and knowledge system (i.e., information access, sharing and control) are related to the problem‐solving performance of engineers. Because of the short product market life cycles in the semiconductor industry, expeditious problem solving is an important performance goal. Therefore, this article examines the performance of engineers in terms of the time it takes them to solve problems in the context of their firms' HR and knowledge systems. It was anticipated during this study that externally oriented organizational systems, which support individual career performance and mobility (an externally oriented HR system) and the use of private knowledge sources (an externally oriented knowledge system), would be associated with superior performance in terms of problem‐solving speed. The findings support this hypothesis and demonstrate the importance of externally oriented HR systems and at the same time suggest the surprising insignificance of the orientation of the knowledge systems. These findings are applicable to engineers in the sample from the United States, whereas the findings for the Korean and Japanese engineers are inconclusive. International variation is found where the U.S. engineers work under the most externally oriented and the Japanese engineers under the least externally oriented systems, and the Korean engineers fall in between. The findings of this article suggest that when constructing a work environment for new product development, managers should take into account how the underlying components of their organizational systems contribute to an internal or external focus, and how this orientation may influence performance.     

工程造价市场信息分析及其在线系统开发

了解和熟悉某地区的市场信息对工程造价咨询公司在该地区开拓市场及造价工程师在该地区从事业务十分重要。本旨在探讨如何利用当代信息技术开发一个高性能的信息系统，它能为造价工程师提供及时的、全面和准确的市场信息(以上海地区为例)。系统开发所用的方法是一种改进的生命周期法。按照该方法，首先对工造价市场进行系统分析。然后，基于系统分析的结果，对市场信息进行分类，并在分类的基础上用超本技术建立信息模型。最后，基于模型开发信息系统。     

Explaining beer demand: A residual modeling regression approach using statistical process control

We develop a medium-term model as well as a short-term model for understanding the factors affecting beer demand and for forecasting beer demand in Turkey. As part of this specific model development (as well as regression modeling in general) we propose a procedure based on statistical process control principles (SPC) and techniques to (1) detect nonrandom data points, (2) identify common missing, lurking variables that explain these anomalies, and (3) using indicator variables, integrate these lurking variables into the model. We validate our proposed procedure on several test examples as well as on the medium-term beer demand model. Both the medium and short-term models yield very satisfactory results and are currently being used by the company for which the study was conducted. In addition to the residual modeling regression approach developed using SPC, a major contribution to the success of the project (and the modeling in general) is the mutual collaboration between analyst and client in the modeling process.     

PCBA模块测试分拣控制系统

为保证印刷电路板组件(printed circuit board assembly,PCBA)的功能性完备,在装壳前需对其进行功能测试,而当前生产线主要由人工测试分拣,效率低下,为此,设计了一种能够自动扫码、测试、分拣的自动控制系统。选用西门子S7-1200PLC作为控制器,WinCC组态软件作为上位监控系统,PLC与WinCC之间采用OPC的方式实现通信,采用VBS编程调用MSComm控件实现WinCC与测试工装和扫码枪之间的串口通信。测试结果表明,系统运行稳定,具有很好的实用性、可靠性。系统的使用能减少人力的投入,降低操作人员的劳动强度,提高生产效率,可在PCBA模块生产线中广泛使用。     

关于企业年金及其发展趋势的思考

论述了企业年金在社会保障体系中的重要性，回顾了上海石化企业年金制度的实施过程，并提出了进一步完善企业年金制度应采取的措施。     

Spectrum trading

This paper argues that the current centralised model of spectrum management is highly inefficient and should be replaced with decentralised solutions. The current model suppresses competitive entry, blocks efficient spectrum use, and insulates old technologies from innovative challenge. In the new system, the default rule should endow operators with the highest flexibility, leaving the regulator to monitor the proper working of competition rather than deciding who does what.     

关于上海石化经营战略的研究

随着社会主义市场经济体制的不断完善，市场竞争不断加剧，国内企业受到来自国内和国际市场的巨大压力，为了在激烈的市场竞争中争取主动，越来越多的企业，特别是国有企业开始重视企业战略研究，本文即以上海石油化工股份有限公司（以下简称上海石化）为研究对象，对上海石化的外部环境，资源和能力进行详细分析，在此基础上提出了上海石化公司的战略，竞争战略和国际化经营战略。     

A new SPRT chart for monitoring process mean and variance

This article proposes a new control chart (called the ABS SPRT chart) for Statistical Process Control (SPC) based on Sequential Probability Ratio Test (SPRT). This chart is able to monitor the mean and variance of a variable x simultaneously by inspecting the absolute sample shift |x−μ₀| (where μ₀ is the in-control mean or target value of x). The ABS SPRT chart is designed by an optimization algorithm, aiming at minimizing the Average Extra Quadratic Loss (AEQL) over the process shift domain. The results of intensive performance studies show that the ABS SPRT chart not only uniformly outperforms the CUSUM chart with a Variable Sample Size (VSS) feature, but is also more effective than a 2-SPRT scheme which incorporates a lower-sided SPRT chart and an upper-sided one. From a holistic viewpoint, the ABS SPRT chart detects process shifts in mean and variance faster than the VSS CUSUM chart and 2-SPRT scheme by more than 30% and 13%, respectively. Noteworthily, the design of an ABS SPRT chart is relatively easier than that of a VSS CUSUM chart, and much simpler than the design of a 2-SPRT scheme.     

Das Umlaufvermögen von Verteilnetzbetreibern

How much current assets are needed to operate a distribution system in Germany? The German “Energiewende” requires tremendous amounts of investment in the distribution network over the next years. The return of invested capital is regulated by § 7 Strom/GasNEV (German network tariff regulations). Current assets are principally included in the regulatory asset base in order to determine the regulatory equity yield rate. The regulatory authorities and distribution system operators have different point of views regarding the proper amount of current assets needed for operating a distribution network. This debate seems quite significant when considering that the average ratio of current assets to total assets is 25%. On the other hand, one could argue that distribution system operators do not need current assets at all. In order to address the issue of the proper amount of current assets for distribution system operators, business specific processes (such as the “EEG process”) should be examined. Furthermore, the provision of current assets causes costs of capital, which reduces the shareholder value and makes the acquisition of capital more challenging. This paper analyses such interrelations between current assets and shareholder value in regulated markets. Moreover, the current regulatory practice of cutting current assets in the regulatory asset base to a standardized amount does not seem appropriate. Rather there is a need for a multi-level and item-by-item based valuation scheme: Is the item required for the business? Is the amount limited to the efficient minimum? Is the amount comparable to other businesses? Concerning this matter, this paper examines proper instruments, such as the cash flow statement. In addition, this paper benchmarks the current (liquidity) ratio of distribution system operators and non-regulated companies. Based on this benchmark, the current assets of distribution system operators appear comparatively efficient. The results point out a need of action regarding current regulatory practice.     

非线性控制器在聚丙烯装置上的应用

介绍了Aspentech非线性控制器、Apollo生产控制软件包在200 kt/a聚丙烯装置(第二代国产化环管工艺)上实施先进过程控制项目的过程、技术难点和应用成果,阐述了Apollo生产控制软件包的主要技术特点。     

Approximation approach for the performance analysis of production lines under a kanban discipline

In a JIT production environment, pull-type control systems are usually implemented to reduce the lead time and to synchronize the production rate with the demand rate. The design of an effective production control system requires easy and reliable approaches for evaluating the effect of the major system parameters on its performance.In this paper we model the kanban control system of a manufacturing line as a Markov process. In addition, we develop an approximation approach to the model that permits reliable evaluation of manufacturing system performance in terms of throughput time and work-in-process. The validation of the approach is implemented by comparing the exact results (based on discrete event simulation) and the approximated results.A good approximation is observed for a large range of conditions.     

常温条件下的CO监控系统设计

为了监测可燃气体中的一氧化碳(CO)含量及防止煤气泄露造成的CO中毒,设计了CO监控系统,介绍了一氧化碳传感器工作原理、KGS-50典型驱动电路、系统构成框图、ISP接口电路及各部分的工作流程。系统中传感器工作所需的交替性电压由单片机输出的PWM波形提供,简化了系统硬件设计;输出的电压信号直接经由单片机处理并显示,可根据CO的浓度情况自动控制继电器的工作状态,实现了整个系统的智能化运行。     

‘The ground beneath my feet’: projects,project management and the intensified control of R&D engineers

This paper examines the erosion of autonomy among research and development (R&D) engineers in a global information technology company and the ways in which they responded. Over a 14‐year period, we examine the changing regime of control as knowledge workers in this firm are increasingly subjected to increased project and portfolio management interventions. Drawing on extended interviews, we consider the propensity of such knowledge workers to challenge, subvert or else acquiesce to these enhanced control mechanisms. The idea of the project, we argue, plays a critical role in affording meaning and security and informing their responses.     

Activity of a 'Soft Science Group' in Mitsubishi Electric Corp.

‘Soft Science’ is defined by the Science and Technology Agency of the Japanese Government as a new methodology to forecast, plan. control and evaluate. This paper describes the activities of the Soft Science Group (SSG) which has been established in the Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. SSG presently consists of 13 members and has issued in excess of 300 reports in 5 years. Its basic activities are concerned with setting new research themes, information exchange meetings, and work on specific projects involving also engineers seconded from operating divisions. The paper summarizes these activities and presents a case example of planning a new product which has already been developed and commercialized.     

Organisational culture and decision making: a case of consensus management

Abstract
This paper explores how a state-of-the-art concept, organization culture, shapes decision making and consensus generating strategies used in the successful management of product development activities in high technology companies. Engineering development groups interact with many individuals and groups on a wide variety of very comples engineering, manufacturing, marketing and business issues Much uncertainty exists around these issues because information that would allow for a decision to be made is often unknow or unknowable. Trade-offs are made continually resulting in a high degree of interdependence among development groups and others with whom they interact. Achieving a balance between controlling development activities on the on hand, and encouraging creativity and initiative on the other, is a complicated process.
this paper illustrates the role of organizational culture in product development using case material from a very successful US high case material from a very successful US high technology company. 'Consensus management', a major cultural theme at 'DW Enterprises', is a decision making style that involves everyone in the decision making process who might have relevant input. A cultural analysis reveals that the engineers developed specific techniques for generating consensus, and that these related as much to control over participation in product development as to decision making.     

Public Private Partnerships in food industries: A road to success?

Recent food safety crises have led to the development of new collaborations between public authorities and food operators in monitoring food safety. To date, most of the literature has analyzed these collaborations as linked to a regulatory process and as a mean to comply with regulatory standards. In this paper, we take another stand and consider them as specific embedded institutions (meso-institutions) analysing them as Public Private Partnership specific to food safety provision. This new perspective allows us to take into account both information asymmetries and the industry-wide dimension of such programmes. Our overall intention is to provide a general enriched theoretical framework to highlight aligned incentive mechanisms in such partnerships. We then apply our framework to two case studies in order to better understand the main mechanisms at work that could explain their specific functioning and resilience. The two case studies are the cattle traceability system in Quebec (Canada) and monitoring programmes for pesticide residues in the French imports industry of fresh produce.     

应用现场总线技术设计远程供水系统

针对远程供水控制要求,提出采用PROFIBUS现场总线技术,组成分布式测控网络的设计方法,本系统可以实现对井群的远程控制和供水的智能调度,各个控制站之间可以方便地进行信息传输,能够提高水泵的运行效率,具有操作方便,可靠性强,监控及时准确等优点,大大提高了远程供水的自动化程度和供水质量,实现了城市供水的智能监控和科学管理。     

Employment Practices and Semiconductor Manufacturing Performance

This article analyzes the factors contributing to superior manufacturing performance in the semiconductor industry. Through an analysis of firm-level data from the United States, Asia, and Europe, we explore the relationship between firm performance along quality and quantity dimensions and three components of the employment system: skill development, employee participation in problem solving, and employee collaboration. We find that manufacturing success is related to the introduction of new production technology and the involvement of all occupations in problem solving under the leadership of engineers, who play a key (and growing) role in this high-tech industry. We find that the operators and technicians play a smaller role in creating high-performing semiconductor factories than has been found in studies of more traditional factories, such as automobiles and steel.