What Is The Modularization Information Technology Essay

What Is The Modularization Information Technology EssayModularization is currently in focus as a meaning for increasing scrap of industrial companies. This is get throughd by bridging the advantages of advantageously-wornization and rationalization with customization and flexibility. T here(predicate) argon three definitions of the terms which needs to be clarified module, modularity, and modularization.The definition of the term module has changed everyplace prison term from being defined by the physical presence into being defined by structure and functionality.Modularity is a combination of arrangings attributes and functionality of the module itself. there ar seven mayor modularity concepts comp binglent sharing modularity, component swapping modularity, bus modularity, sectional modularity, fabricate to fit modularity, mix modularity and stack modularity.Modularization has evolved in an industrial context. There argon three raw material drivers behind the desire for mo dularity modularization in proceeds, modularization in carrefourion and modularization in inter-firm system. Modularization in design represents creation of variety, modularization in production represents the utilization of similarities and modularization in inter-firm system represents a reduction of complexities (Andrea Prencipe, 2003)Modularization does not mean that there is less(prenominal) assembly work indispensable for manufacturing atruck. It simply means that there is shakeup in regard to who is doing what in the valueand supply chain, with much than sub-assembly work done by the suppliers. There is trend fromcomplete assembly done by OEM to important sub-assemblies to be outsourced. This mightnot be irreversible, as assembly firms try to find the most beneficial approach for them thatwill be authentic by suppliers. A big part of the added value comes from the assemblyoperations. (Zima, 2005)Modularization typesThere argon three types of concepts in modularization. These concepts argonModularization in products (architecture)Modularization in productionModularization in inter-firm systemModularization in productsModularization in outputs focuses upon product architecture and the required interrelationship amongst product function and structure. Achieving this one to one correspondence amid the products subsystems and their functions allows modules to be designed with a high breaker point of autonomy and reduces the interdependency with other modules in essence, this refers to introducing and achieving modularity in product design. Others concur with the issue of interdependence, as they describe modularity in design as something which intentionally creates a high degree of liberty or loose coupling between component designs. Figure 1.1 .(Robert Trimble, 2008)The left plot is a schematic representation of the so-called integral product. Since the elements do up the product function (the left triangle) ar interrelated with those makin g up the product structure (the good triangle) in a complex manner, the designer of Subsystem S1 has to take the following factors into accountfunctional interdependence with the other subsystems ( such as s1f1s2, and s1f2s2)structural interdependence with the other subsystems (physical interference, for example, s1s2)Interdependence with the design of the entire system (consistency with the design of the wholly system, s1S1S) 4) interdependence between the sub-functions (such as f1_f2, and F1_F2).Figure 1 1.Modularization in product decreases such interdependence between the concerned elements. It allows one-to-one correspondence between the subsystems and their functions, and enables, for example, the designer of Subsystem S1 to focus solely on Sub-function F1 and S (the structure of the product as a whole). The subsystem becomes a module with a self-contained function, which clear be designed more autonomously. Remaining interdependence after modularization can further be tr im back if the interfaces between the elements are change and standardized as much aspossible. (Takeishi, 2001)Modularization in productionModularization in production describes the manufacturing system structure where, as a conduct of amodular product design, the product is produced from a series of modules each assembled on a sub- eviscerate before transfer to the product assembly line. A non-modular manufacturing system would be as a result of the product structure not containing any structurally cohesive large modules. (Robert Trimble, 2008).Modularization can be illustrated with a similar diagram sh give in figure It is comprised of the Product Structure Hierarchy (right triangle) and the Product Process Hierarchy (left). In order to simplify the explanation, among the whole manufacturing processes, the focus here only on assembly work in the Product Process Hierarchy.The former hierarchy is built up in pursuit of functional independence of each subsystem (i.e., the degree to which a function of the product is achieved by a single subsystem), while the latter is make up for structural cohesiveness (i.e., the degree to which a collection of part can be physically handled as one unit). The latter hierarchy is intended to contribute to structurally cohesive modules which are easy to manage material handling and quality control.Figure 1 1.The left diagram represents non-modular production processes. Without any structurally cohesive large modules, the product is to be assembled from eight small modules (s1 to s8) at the alike(p) hierarchical level on one long main assembly line. On the contrary, in the right diagram, there are two structurally-cohesive modules S1 and S2 on the right, and two subassembly lines to build them and one short main line for finished products on the left (remember the famous watchmaker story in Simon 1969). It can be said that the Product Structure Hierarchy with cohesive modules is translated into the Product Process Hierarchy with one main line and two subassembly lines. (Takeishi, 2001)Modularization in inter-firm system (outsourcing subsystems in larger units to outside suppliers)Modularization in Inter-firm Systems- describes the situation where large modules are assembled by suppliers on their own assembly lines and are delivered and assembled into finished products on the main line of the automaker This facet of modularity is essentially the outsourcing of the assembly of the module to the supply base. (Robert Trimble, 2008)Modularization in inter-firm system, which has drawn increasing attention in the European auto industry, entails outsourcing subsystems in large units (cohesive modules) to suppliers. The left diagram is a schematic representation of production with a higher in-house ratio, in which small modules (s1 s8) are delivered by outside suppliers. On the contrary, the right represents production based on a highly modular supplier system, in which large modules are assembled by outside s uppliers on their subassembly lines, and are delivered and assembled into finished products on the main line of the manufacturer.Figure 1 1.Overall, the three facets of modularization and their interrelations can be illustrated within the same theoretical account of multiple hierarchies as shown in the three pairs of diagrams. Product engineers, process engineers, and purchasing managers mustiness make decisions about the product and process hierarchies and the inter-firm boundaries, while securing close coordination between them. It is obvious that these three facets of modularization must not be mixed up. At the same time, it is also clear that these decisions are interrelated with each other. They are the processes of making decisions about interrelated hierarchies of product functions, product structure, and production processes. There is ever so a possibility of some inconsistency or conflict between the decisions. In a sense, the most critical challenge in modularization is how to avoid or overcome such inconsistency and conflict through coordination. (Takeishi, 2001)Modularity typesThere are varied types of modularity used in industry. An overview of the most common types can be found in Figure 1.1 (Erikstad, 2009).Figure 1.1 A more detailed division into incompatible modularity typesComponent-sharing modularity there are single modules used in polar products. The same module can be used in a completely different product family.Component-swapping modularity occurs when there are more alternative basic components can be paired with the same modular components creating different product variants belong to the same product family.Bus modularity is used when a module with two or more interfaces can be matched with any estimate of the components selected from a list of basic components. The interfaces accept any combination of the basic components. Bus modularity allows variations in the amount and the locations of the basic components in a product. C omponent-swapping and component-sharingmodularity allows only variation in the types of basic components.sectioned modularity is used when there is any number and combination possible by the configuration. Each module can have one, two or more interfaces. There are only a few limitations.Fabricate to Fit ModularityOne or more standard components are used with one or more infinitely variable additional components. Variation is usually associated with physical dimensions that can be modified. An example for this kind of modularity is a cable assembly. The connectors of the cable are standard and the length of the cable is variable.Stack modularity is the method where a collection of modules can be connected to create a unit with a value in some dimension that is the sum of the individual modules. The modules must be of the same type but it can be either a combination of superposable modules or a combination of different sizes of a module.Mix modularity combines different components i nto something new, for example paint or concrete.What are the pros and cons of modularization?AdvantagesReduce time and labor hours required for assembly processIntroducing modularization makes the assembly faster and less complicated, by installing complete preassembled modules the production is more efficient with the result of reducing time and labor. lessening of Labor CostBecause the supplier orders and assembles the parts into a module this time is saved at the one production. Also ordering a module is less labor-intensive compared to social organization standards ordering.Completion of Just-In-Time SystemOne Effects of modularization is for example the decreasing numbers of parts with the effect that JIT is more manageableCost diminution EffectBy increasing the amount of module suppliers the risk of stationary production decreases. If one supplier is not able to deliver on time he gets displaced by the next one .Easy upgrading Once modularization is fulfiled, one module ca n be upgraded easy. This way the system can be always up to date .Changing a module has no effects to the entire design.Dividing a product intocomponents and interfaces allows changes without affecting the entiredesign.Modularization Breaks down problems into smaller and simpler partsBy definition of modularity, the concept enables designers to break the problem into smaller and simpler partsSharing ModulesDesignee teams can share or use again components from other designs, culture time canbe decreased.More effective designing Another benefit of modularity is that it enables engineers to focus more directly on their own module, often steer to a more effective design solution.DisadvantagesDesigning modules is more bafflingDesigning for modularity ismore difficult and takes more effortthan designing a formulation standard system.Determining how to separate a system into modules and how these modules will interconnect is the root of the problem.Tunnel VisionOnce the designis complet e, productdevelopment is simplified by modularity Thepossibility exists that designers will not think tolook at an other methods or solutions.Such tunnel vision may minimize the general quality ofthe design.PerformanceAlmost always performance can be improved over a modular design, because the elimination of interfaces reduces lading and size.moreover, it is sometimes difficult tointegrate modules, designed by different teams, and tomake them worktogether optimally.Communicationcommunication between teams is the potential for redundancyMaintenanceOften when one part of a module needs to be replaced the only way is to replace the hole module. It is also command that it is not possible to order meet one particular part only the hole module.The benefits of modular supply for the assembler are damage reduction, increase of the low-scaleassembly efficiency, and minimization of investment requirements in new plants (Humphreyand Salerno, 2001), as outsourcing allows the automotive manu facturer to allocate part of theinvestment to the suppliers who will be located near the assembly plant (Lung, 2001, Lewisand Wight, 2000). From their side, the suppliers can decrease the financial involvement in thenew production location of the client by associating themselves with local partners. In thiscase they have to ensure that the international standards of battle (productivity,quality, logistics etc) will be reached (Lung, 2001). VOLVO.pdfSectors which apply modularizationFigure 1 1.Around 1990s up till now the industries have developed from designing and developing one-of-a-kind products units, towards more standardized and modular products. With these standardized methods a large number different product can be product to satisfy the customers (Erikstad, 2009).Throughout the industries, many companies in differed sectors have adopted some kind of modularisation in their organisation. Each sector or company that adopted modularization is unique in their solutions how to i mplement this strategy. The sectors on the frontiers of modularisation are the automotive, automatic engineering, Special machinery/Plant engineering, these sectors modularisation is widely used. There are many more sectors where modularisation is practise (Berger, 2012). In the diverse industries there are numerous examples how modularisation is implement to the benefits of companies.The in automotive basic platforms are used in many different models or brands. This is the same in electronics were components are extensive reuse twain across different brands and across different product types. Software companies split up their complex software systems to able to work parallel and reduce the complexness of the program (Jacobsen, 2003). For building ocean going cargo ship it is almost impossible to build a ship without modularisation because of the size and complexity (Gockowski, 2005)The benefits reported are reduced cost, shorter development cycles and the ability to maintain a br oad product range while standardizing and reducing the number of different components and configuration elements. (Erikstad, 2009)Companies which apply modularization successfullyIn this chapter the most successful companies which apply modularization will be described.The companies are divided in different kinds of sectors ( see Figure 1 1.)(Berger, 2012) Automotive robotic engineering Special machinery/ plant engineering Electronics Medical engineering Railways Heating / climate Automation Power tools OtherAutomotiveScaniaScania is a very wholesome known company which use the modularization strategy since 1930s. Scanias unique modular product range is one of its most important success factors. Since each product of Scania is made entirely on the basis of the customers business and the real-world situation, it ensures the best possible performance and quality. Meanwhile, the modular product system demoralises Scanias costs, since by using a limited number of components the compa ny can give each customer an optimised product. This business model is one important reason why Scania has been profitable every year for sextuplet decades and often describes its relationship with customers as a win-win situation. (Fagrenius, 2012 )Car manufacturingA lot of car manufacturers produce by a modularisation strategy. With this modularization different parts are produced and can be fit together on different types of cars. Some examples of car brands which change the same parts on different types are Volkswagen, Seat and Audi. (MILTENBURG, 2003)Mechanical engineeringShipbuildingMarintekThe Norwegian Marine Technology Research Institute (MARINTEK) performs research and development for companies in the celestial sphere of marine technology. This companies develops ships on a modularization strategy. The whole ship is divided in modules which are separately fabricated. (Erikstad, 2009)DamenDamen shipyards is the biggest company in the Netherlands which designs and manufac ture on base of modularisation. (Damen, 2013)Ship equipmentThe equipment on a ship and in the engine room is designed and manufactures in modules. These modules are manufactured and assembled in the workshop, and are fit together on a ship ( as a block). This is a successful way to produce because of many technological, services and economical aspects. Some companies which are manufacturing on this way are Marine service Noord and Impas, and Alfa laval. (Noord, 2013) (Laval, 2013)Product manufacturingThere are a lot of production companies which use the modularization strategy. They have their focus on reducing delivery time and production costs. Some well known production companies in the Netherlands are Phillips, VDL, Burgers trailers, Hytrans fire systems and Vanderlande. (TNO, 2008)Special machinery/ plant engineeringSiemens Power plantBased on our extensive implement in building power plants, Siemens has developed innovative combined cycle reference power plants, known as Siem ens Combined roll (SCC) turnkey plants. Suited for applications from 100 MW to over 850 MW per unit, these plants help you to meet the challenges of a dynamic market and are designed to optimize planning, implementation times and lower life-cycle costs. (AG, 2008)Nuclear power plantsFor currently operating U.S. nuclear plants, the average construction period was 9,3 years the longest was 23,5 years. In Japan, close attention to modularization and construction sequencing has reduced construction times for the ABWR reactor design. (Lee Presley, 2009)FluorFluor has pioneered the economic advantages and commercialization of modular construction. Fluors proven performance showcases large-scale modular construction across a variety of Client industries. From brutal arctic winters working the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline, or offshore oil and gas platforms in Trinidad Tobago, or state-of-the-art biotechnology facilities, to the new San Francisco Oakland true laurel Bridge, Fluor has successful ly utilized modular construction to address Client challenges. (Fluor, 2013)HitachiHitachi has been developing and perfecting modularization technology to facilitate domestic nuclear power plant construction since the early 1980s, and it has made great strides in rationalization. Modularization is the ideal plant construction technique for reduced costs, higher quality, improved safety and shorter construction times. We believe that modularization technology is one of the best solutions for the current plant construction environment. (Maru, 2002)Oil and gas industryLinde BOC Process Plants LLCModularized construction has many positive aspects to consider. The modules contain the equipment, piping, heat tracing, electrical instrumentation systems, specialized coatings, fire protection, ladders, and platforms. Modules can be horizontal, vertical, single level, or multi-level depending on the plot space, equipment, and required piping configuration. The optimumsplit of modular field construction efforts is determined for each individual project based upon such factors as local labour costs, transportation limitations and schedule. (Laar, 2008)Electronics and automationPhilipsPhilips is one of the largest television manufacturers in the world. Fierce competition in the television market is leading to smaller profit margins, price erosion, shorter time to market, and a battle for shelf space. To remain competitive, we must minimize the bill of material and the cost of system development. Minimizing the bill of material puts constraint on the resources of a television, such as memory, bandwidth, CPU cycles, and footprint. We minimize the cost of system development by modularization.AirbusThe Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) concept, which replaces numerous separate processors and line replaceable units (LRU) with fewer, more centralized processing units, is promising significant weight reduction and maintenance savings in the new generation of commercial airliner s (Ramsey, 2007).Medical engineeringPhillipsAlready in the early days of empennage, Philips Medical Systems observe the advantages of CAN and decided to use this network protocol as communication network for interconnecting various components such as collimators, generators, and patient tables in their X-ray systems. To achieve a modular and open approach, a group within Philips Medical Systems, managed by Tom Suters, developed the first higher layer protocol for CAN, the CAN Message Specification (CMS), which was presented to the public in 1992.Heating / climateThe corporate modular cooling solutions combine multiple components designed to fit your specific requirements and specifications. This integrated solution not only reduces the total number of suppliers, but it also drives down your overall costs (laval, 2013)Power toolsBlack DeckerThe patented MATRIX modular tool system offers performance and value in a simple and practical way for power tool users to grow their toolbox at their own pace. With this system, users can access some of the industrys most popular types of tools which were traditionally limited to professionals while offering savings up to 42% versus purchasing bare tools separately. (Decker, 2013) deem of modularizationJoery stuk btp btf etcKey elementsKey elements modularizationInternal key elementsProduct design etcExternal key elementsSuppliers etcBoundary conditions