3C Industry Applications: Job-lot Production

Abstract

A job-lot manufacturing plant with a committment for a 24-hour shipment policy required a flexible automated operation. A first-stage computerized plant layout was developed based on high-rise storage and multilevel conveyor handling of totes with parts in either raw, semifinished, or finished state. Raw materials in tote pans are withdrawn under computer control from high-rise storage and directed by dispatcher to the proper processing machine lines or to assembly using a master floor-monitoring system. Processed parts are reentered into the system by individual operators and proceed to subsequent operations, to assembly, or back into storage. Minicomputers maintain continuous inventory, in-process, and shipping information.