Product life cycle data management and analytics in RAM14.0 using the manufacturing chain management platform

Abstract

The RAMI4.0 model consists of three axes; the Layers axis, the Hierarchy axis, and the Life Cycle Value Stream axis. This model unifies the various aspects of I4.0 to allow data generated from manufacturing and business activities to be shared effectively. The Manufacturing Chain Management software aims to provide a platform where all three axes and their associated data are tightly integrated and can be used to provide I4.0 connectivity as well as insights into the manufacturing supply chain. A data framework is proposed whereby the data from these activities can be collected and used to make more insightful decisions about an organisations value chain, value stream, and the life cycle of their product portfolio. The MCM platform is aimed at SMEs, which has lesser financial ability to invest into I4.0 technologies. Hence, the MCM platform is designed to be flexible and scalable whilst maintaining compliance with I4.0 standards. A furniture factory in Selangor, Malaysia was chosen to implement the Value Stream Mapping aspect if MCM and key production metrics such as process time, Work-In-Progress time, and manufacturing throughput were successfully recorded.