A Bit of Factory Automation : Manufacturing Cost Estimation Using Group Technology

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A fully automated cost estimation system(FACES) has been developed. Since speed, accuracy, and consistency are essential factors in automating a cost estimation, the use of computers in cost estimation system(CES) has grown rapidly in the last few years. FACES is a micro computer based cost estimation system that employs a manufacturing knowledge base. A Group Technology(GT) based part classification and coding(C&C) scheme is used to automate the process planning aspects of cost estimation. Variant process planning methods are employed to generate workstation routings from form features of the part. The system has been tested for an assembly of six machined parts. Results indicate that the system could provide a substantial improvement in accuracy, productivity, and performance over the more traditional full dialog approach to cost estimation. It also provides a good foundation for a factory automation by using a common GT based database through design to production.