Process segment model
ProcessSegmentInformation
The main structuring element of the schema definition is ProcessSegmentInformation.
ProcessSegment
A process segment is a logical grouping of personnel resources, equipment resources,
and material required to carry out a production step. Process segment usually define
the needed classes of personnel, equipment, and material, but it may define specific
resources, such as specific equipment needed. Process segment usually define the
quantity of the resource needed.
Identifying process segments requires an understanding of the business processes
within the company and the general structure of the manufacturing processes. Not
all process segments need to relate to production, there are at least three general
types of process segments:
- Production segments – those relating to conversion of raw or intermediate materials
into intermediate materials or final products.
- Movement segments – those relating to movement of materials and keeping track of
material and product locations.
- Inspection segments – those relating to confirming or testing quality and suitability
of materials and products.
ProcessSegment elements may be used to contain information about defined process
segments, and the personnel, equipment, and materials required for the segment.
Process segments may also contain process segments, for example a product assembly
segment may be made up of assembly, test, and packaging segments. Each segment may
be defined as a separate element with separate specifications
Routing may be dependent on the processes. In the figure below the routing contains
material dependencies information. The routing information is then used for scheduling.
The route in the left side of the figure can be represented in a set of process
segment definitions (center table in figure) and process segment dependency definitions
(right table in figure). The process segment definitions contain the material production
and consumption information. The consumption and production information within the
process segments define additional constraints and dependencies required for scheduling
of material B1, C1, and F1.