A knowledge framework for automating and controlling manufacturing systems activities

This paper addresses a framework that incorporate four integrated models; a mathematical formulation model which integrate final products with sub-assemblies and raw materials in order to generate optimal solution. The second model is the simulation which simulates the mathematical model to generate set of items of information. The third model is a knowledge base structure that records simulation output, and manufacturing organization procedures and policies. The fourth model is an automatic internal control interacting with the knowledge base structure in order to browse the structure and detect any violations to the procedures and policies set up by management of the manufacturing organization. The framework enables the internal control to explore data and information and to act as a guard against any misuse of the manufacturing system properties. It acts against any error occurrence, threats, and irregularities that might lead to inconsistencies. The framework supports a set of policies that monitors and controls finished products and raw materials. It determines how much of each item should be manufactured or be kept in warehouses, when low items should be replenished, and how many items should be assembled or be ordered when replenishment is needed. Although integration concept of manufacturing processes has enjoyed increased popularity among researchers and manufacturers, they also have a number of drawbacks due to the complexity of real-world problems. Using simulation, knowledge base, and internal control model will improve productivity. The proposed framework provides a traceability capability for finished products and their relationships. It also provides reasoning capabilities on the manufacturing system objects. The framework allows the complex simulation model to be manageable for the purpose of adaptation to the changing environment variables. The framework performs a querying system to furnish top management with a clear understanding of the structure of risks that may occur. This framework provides top managements with clear picture of how to make their production lines more efficient in terms of profits as well as enabling to remove any processes that are overly complicated.