Manufacturing Systems and Design New

The program familiarizes participants with different manufacturing systems and describes the benefits inherent to each. From traditional approaches to cutting-edge methodologies, participants will gain insights into how different systems cater to specific operational requirements and customer expectations. This knowledge is pivotal for making informed decisions when designing and optimizing manufacturing processes.

Furthermore, the course delves into performance metrics, shedding light on key indicators that gauge the efficiency and effectiveness of manufacturing operations. Metrics such as cycle time, flow time, utilization, and work in process are demystified, empowering participants to evaluate and enhance their processes based on these critical benchmarks.

In addition to understanding metrics, participants will explore and compare prominent continuous improvement methodologies. The course navigates through the principles of quick response manufacturing, lean manufacturing, and the theory of constraints.

Course Objectives: 

• Compare and contrast different types of manufacturing systems
• Describe terminology related to manufacturing systems
• Calculate and interpret common performance metrics related to manufacturing systems (cycle time, flow time, utilization, WIP)
• Apply Little’s Law to determine flow time given WIP and vice versa
• Relate manufacturing systems concepts to improvement methodologies – Lean, QRM, and Theory of Constraints

1 – Manufacturing strategy and types of manufacturing systems

2 – Key metrics for manufacturing systems

3 – Bottlenecks, batching & Little’s Law

4 – Line balancing & cellular manufacturing

5 – Introduction to Lean, Theory of Constraints and Quick Response Manufacturing

Charlene Yauch

Charlene A. Yauch, Ph.D., P.E., has been an engineering educator for over 20 years at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) and Oklahoma State University. Her notable honors include five teaching awards and a National Science Foundation Career grant. She has taught a wide variety of classes, including Manufacturing Systems Design & Analysis, Materials & Manufacturing Processes, Computer Numerical Control Machining, Automation Technologies, and Engineering Economy.

Her professional interests relate to the implementation of manufacturing system improvements, such as Quick Response, Lean, and Agile Manufacturing, with emphasis on the human, social, and organizational aspects. Prior to her doctoral degree, she worked in industry for six years, performing a wide variety of tasks for manufacturing firms, including simulation modeling, facility layout, and process improvement. She has also advised numerous student projects related to manufacturing system improvement.  Dr. Yauch has a multi-disciplinary educational background with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Purdue University, and graduate degrees in sociology (M.S.), manufacturing systems engineering (M.S.), and industrial engineering (Ph.D.) from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.