Analysis and development of modern shift planning methods and their integration in digital shop floor management systems

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to develop a shift planning tool that can be integrated in a Smart factory. The tool is based on lean production principles, which are related to shift schedule. The purposes of the tool were taken out from this basis, and they are supported by the Industry 4.0 features. With the Industry 4.0 technology, it is possible to create some functionalities that fulfil the objectives established. Therefore, the SPT is thought to solve scheduling problems, while it contributes to achieve lean general objectives of the manufacturing process in a more efficient way. After its development, the tool is design and implemented in the shop floor management tool of the Processlernfabrik CiP of Technische Universität Darmstadt. To finish with, there is a validation part in which some manufacturing plants were interviewed with a questionnaire. The results get through this analysis reflects the necessity of developing a tool in a 4.0 environment for solving shift schedule problems, however, the functions of the tool will change depending on the necessities of each manufacturing plant.