BMW

3 Pages 679 Words

BMW Assembly Line
The latest tool offered to the manufacturing world is the introduction of robots and automated supply retrieval systems into the assembly lines and production systems. The main reason and advantage for the automation of the assembly lines are the reduction in labor cost and the reduction of human error.
“Adding the latest in robotics and assembly line conveyor systems can help manufacturers meet the stiff challenges they face. With smaller robotic cells, top-loading robots mounted on gantries, new vision-based robots, simulation software for visualizing robotic cells, and more efficient assembly line equipment, manufacturers can boost productivity and remain competitive.” (Waurzyniak)
The initial cost for setting up an automated assembly line is often expensive but for a plant that has a high volume output the payback period will be minimal. The key here is the use of high volume repetitive processes. The biggest benefit in automating an assembly line is presented in the removal of human processing in the repeated mechanical movements.
Operation Process and the Product
There are two distinct operations processes that may be selected in the manufacturing and operations methods. There is the intermittent operations process and the continuous operation process. The selection of the most efficient process is most greatly influenced by the product itself.
This is mainly based on the amount of products that will be produced of the same or similar characteristics. If a product is selected for production that is identical at will have a high operation output then the most efficient process would be the continuous operations method. The greater the volume of output a product has the more savings that can be achieved by economies of scale and mass assembly lines.
The other end of the spectrum is the selection of a product that has a relatively low volume or has very different characteristics. This type o...