part I Fundamentals of Manufacturing and Automation

ln Chapter 1 we defined automation and discussed its social and economic basis. Before proceeding to examine various examples of automated production systems that are used in industry, there are certain general concepts and principles related to manufacturing that should be understood. lt is our objective in this first part of the book to present these concepts and principles of manufacturing. Part l consists of two chapters: Chapter 2 on production operations and automation strategies, and Chapter 3 on production economics.

ln Chapter 2 we define production and survey the variety of industries that are engaged in production activities. The different categories of production systems, manufacturing operations, plant layouts, and organizational structures are also discussed. We present a set of mathematical models to describe how production is accomplished and how the performance of a production system is measured. Manufacturing lead time, production rate. plant capacity, work-in-process, and utilization are among the basic concepts that are given quantitative meanings in this section. These performance measures will be referred to throughout the book. The chapter concludes by presenting a list of 10 automation strategies : a checklist ot approaches for automating production operations.

Chapter 3 is concemed with production economics. It is important for technical specialists in automation to understand the economic criteria that determine whether a given production system will be successful. The chapter begins with an introductory treatment of engineering economy, emphasizing the methods for evaluating investment proposals that are used by companies. The types of costs encountered in production are discussed, including overhead costs. A rational method for costing an automated production workcell is developed which distinguishes the cost of labor from the cost of equipment. Other topics in Chapter 3 include break even analysis, analysis of unit costs of production, and evaluation of the cost of work-in process. An appendix to this chapter presents a tabulation of the interest factors used in engineering economy calculations.

lt is important for the reader to possess the background contained in these two chapters in order to appreciate the opportunities and limitations of the various automated systems discussed in the remaining chapters.