Design Methodology and Tools in Factory of the Future

This paper presents a design method and tool developed to support the skill forming activities in the DigiFoF network (https://www.digifof.eu/). The focus is on training of manufacturing system design skills both as HEI education and vocational training, but preliminary design of new manufacturing systems is also supported (e.g in the development of small business process scenarios).

We proposed a model-based methodology for solving of the manufacturing system design problems The methodology and the supporting tool are centred around a less abstract Domain-Specific Modelling Language (DSML). The language is easy to learn due to its few components.

A modelling and simulation environment named Digital Production Planner Tool (DPPT) was generated from the metamodel of the DSML. The degree of abstraction used by this tool corresponds well to the intended use in training and preliminary design.

Our method incorporates by design the possibility to impose constraints at the modelling language level to limit the modelling space to feasible/possible solutions. The resulting tool enforces these constraints in the use and supports the development of feasible designs even by inexperienced designers.

The access to the conceptual model allows the translation of the model to other modelling language like Petri net. This extends the support for the design methodology.

The whitepaper presents a use case for the developed method and tool: the design of a chocolate manufacturing line.