PROJECT

Project Plan

Project Plan

Project Design

The period between the 1970's and 1980's was a time of great advancement in computer hardware technology. Technology took many industries still in their infancy to a level of much sophistication. Ultimately, technology revolutionized the information storage and processing needs of industry and of the entire world. However, it was also during this period when the shortcomings of implementing such technology became apparent. A significant number of development projects failed, which resulted in disastrous consequences, not only of an economic nature, but also of a social one as well. Although hardware technology was readily available and ever improving, what were inhibiting the industry were the methods of implementing large systems. Consequently, all kinds of limited approaches materialized that avoided the costs and risks inherent in big-systems developments.

Feasibility Study

At American Axle and Manufacturing (AAM) there is room for improvement as well. More specifically, there is a need to use the work force more efficiently. The objective chosen by the team is to implement a scheduling system where real time production schedules are issued to the manufacturing floor at an instant. Up to the minute production schedules will maximize production throughput. We need to achieve just in time delivery internally between all production departments. All equipment located on the shop floor has FIS units monitoring all production outputs. This system can be integrated into the real time production scheduling system. The equipment needed at this time will be a printer and software. Installation of cable lines is in place for use.

One obstacle to overcome within the organization is convincing corporate headquarters, executive staff, and the IT department that this is a tool that is needed to function at a higher level on the production floor. AAM has some individuals who take the attitude that "this is the way it has been done for years, why change it?" The problem is that there are too many wasted opportunities. With modifying the system, we will be able to increase productivity, reduce unnecessary changeovers, eliminate costly over runs, and eliminate unneeded inventory on the floor, thus, saving money.

AAM will save money by having the availability to have all manufacturing and assembly departments on the same page at the same time. We will increase production due to the up to the minute schedule that is produced at the start of each shift. Currently, the departments must wait for their supervisor to update them as to what should be produced and when. This schedule improvement will involve the workers on the plant floor, they will feel a sense of ownership within in their departments, and the sense of empowerment will be a shared function. The consequences of not updating the scheduling process could be as minimal as an unneeded changeover to an actual shut down of the assembly line operations, which cost the company $1,000.00 per minute.

AAM's corporate strategy is to be globally competitive in measurable quality. Meet customer delivery schedules on time, every time. Be globally competitive on ...