Using function models and process flow descriptions in electronics manufacturing

Any manufacturing organization that is considering to expand its production capability or is interested in developing a computer integrated manufacturing environment needs to understand the complex interactions of its existing manufacturing system and subsystems. Typically, manufacturing organizations consist of a complex interdependent set of subsystems. Developing a clear picture (or model) of the various interactions and dependencies between the subsystems will facilitate the understanding of the manufacturing integration requirements. The ability of such a model to provide a clear description of such subsystems is vital especially when change and developments are being considered in that manufacturing organization. In this paper, an IDEF0 function model and an IDEF3 process flow description of some of the manufacturing activities in SSEAC Inc. (a small business electronics manufacturing facility) are described. Background is given on the IDEF0 functional models and the IDEF0 model built. The use of IDEF3 description and its process flow descriptive capability are given using examples