Integration between planning and shop floor level: A case of the overhaul process for train braking devices

Abstract

A brief overview of the development of systems for production planning and control is given in this paper, as well as an example of the development information system for the overhaul process of braking devices for train wagons. Modern market conditions are characterized by a very unstable, unpredictable and changing business environment. These requirements face companies with the fact that they must constantly improve their business practices and procedures in order to improve their business performance and remain competitive in the market. Likewise, companies must constantly share information with their suppliers, customers and partners and that information must be extremely safe. The integration and automation of the process of design, planning, scheduling and control are becoming increasingly important approaches that could lead the system into a state that imitates the human way of processing information and working in conditions of uncertainty. Since main problems are identified in communication between the level of business planning and the shop-floor level, management and operational decisions ought to ensure that the production process is in line with the dynamics of the product life cycle, processes and people in the company.