Quality and workflow integration in flexible manufacturing

In recognising the relevance of production networks and flexible manufacturing, CNC Worknet aims to be a company that approaches the new era of flexible manufacturing by developing a novel business model that combines the technologies of e-Business with production networks. This business model is based on an Internet portal that acts as an intermediary between the company and its customers. It allows customers to request quotations and place orders for the manufacture of simple products that are produced on CNC machining centres or through layered manufacturing techniques. The Internet portal is connected to a coordinated network of manufacturing plants in which the ordered products are manufactured. These manufacturing plants operate within a franchise model. CNC Worknet aims to provide the customer access to a univocal, direct and easily accessible global manufacturing network that consistently manufactures products according to the needs and specifications of the customer. This research aims to enable CNC Worknet to successfully implement and industrialise the theory in the business model. The overall goal is to establish a supply chain that adheres to the business model as effective and efficient as possible. A generic and modular architecture is developed that acts as a guideline for the development and implementation of a generic manufacturing system. A system based on this architecture is proposed that closes the gap between theory and practice for the distributed manufacturing of products in small batches. This system and many of its functional and operational constituents have been devised, elaborated and have subsequently been implemented in two cases; milling and layered manufacturing. The system derives its strength from the integration of quality and workflow management as these play a central role in all processes in the manufacturing system. This leads to a manufacturing environment that is focussed on both the quality of the product and the quality of the processes throughout the entire supply chain.