Evaluation of a Non-Conformity Matrix Complexity using Components Modularity Metrics

Year: 2013
Editor: Scheurmann, E.; Maurer, M.; Schmidt, D.; Lindemann, U.
Author: Farooq, A.; Ara
Series: DSM
Institution: University of Porto, Portugal
Section: Application of DSM and Matrix Method
Page(s): 19-26
ISBN: 978-3-446-43803-3

Abstract

The drastic increase in the scale and complexity of manufacturing systems requires the development of systematic approaches, seeking for innovative solutions. In particular, commodities manufacturing system´s complexity has been constantly increasing with the growth of customer demand for high quality products at an ever-lower cost, creating difficulties in measuring, reducing and managing problems along the production process. This paper introduces the application of components modularity metrics to measuring system complexity for such systems. This concept is applied to a Non-Conformity Matrix, a DSM based tool developed to systematize all non-conformities in matrix form, highlighting relations and interactions between them. This tool is applied to an industrial example with the purpose of improving the quality of three-piece tinplate aerosol cans. The results obtained enable a more comprehensive characterization of the system’s complexity, identifying key quality improvement areas. The components modularity metrics behave as key performance indicators for further assessment of future improvements.

Keywords: Complex Systems, Components Modularity Metrics, Design Structure Matrix, Non-Conformity Matrix, Manufacturing System