Methods and Models to Evaluate the Investment of Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems: Literature Review and Research Directions

Stefan Kjeldgaard*, Ann-Louise Andersen, Thomas Ditlev Brunø, Kjeld Nielsen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to book/anthology/report/conference proceedingArticle in proceedingResearchpeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems (RMS) have been proposed as a means to accommodate today’s dynamic requirements in a rapid and cost-efficient way. However, the industrial transition towards RMS is limited as it is perceived to be uneconomic due to an increased initial investment, yet desirable for the ability to respond to uncertainty and co-evolve with life-time requirements. This ability makes economic evaluation of RMS concepts inherently complex, which is not supported by traditional approaches. Nevertheless, concept evaluation remains critical during development as the majority of the life-time cost is determined by initial design decisions. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to review state-of-the-art literature to provide an overview of methods and models to evaluate the investment of RMS. Papers were retrieved from a structured subject search and screening, then classified according to seven characteristics, and mapped in a decision tree to aid practitioners in the selection of suitable evaluation approaches. Based on the review, there is a lack of quantitative models for comparative investment evaluation which is validated in industry and consider network implications, uncertainty and life-time requirements. To mitigate this gap, aforementioned is proposed as viable directions for further research.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationTowards Sustainable Customization : Bridging Smart Products and Manufacturing Systems - Proceedings of the 8th Changeable, Agile, Reconfigurable and Virtual Production Conference CARV 2021 and 10th World Mass Customization and Personalization Conference MCPC 2021
EditorsAnn-Louise Andersen, Rasmus Andersen, Thomas Ditlev Brunoe, Maria Stoettrup Schioenning Larsen, Kjeld Nielsen, Alessia Napoleone, Stefan Kjeldgaard
Number of pages9
PublisherSpringer
Publication date2022
Pages138-146
ISBN (Print)9783030906993
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022
Event8th Changeable, Agile, Reconfigurable and Virtual Production Conference, CARV 2021 and 10th World Mass Customization and Personalization Conference, MCPC 2021 - Aalborg, Denmark
Duration: 1 Nov 20212 Nov 2021

Conference

Conference8th Changeable, Agile, Reconfigurable and Virtual Production Conference, CARV 2021 and 10th World Mass Customization and Personalization Conference, MCPC 2021
Country/TerritoryDenmark
CityAalborg
Period01/11/202102/11/2021
SeriesLecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering
ISSN2195-4356

Keywords

  • Changeability
  • Concept evaluation
  • Financial justification
  • Investment analysis
  • Reconfigurability

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