Partial Order Assembly Mediation (POAM) - constraints-based modelling for flexible truck component assembly lines

Important results from the project

A feasibility study aiming to increase flexibility within assembly lines for heavy vehicles and components to handle variance in market requirements and unforeseen deviations, e.g. delayed parts and tools. The goal is to create a dynamic and self-balancing approach where operations, parts and tools can be moved across work cells. This is accomplished by speeding up planning with software based decision support where the engineer can define partial orders for assembly and then automatically generate, verify and validate fully ordered assembly sequences and vehicle sequences.

Expected long term effects

Expected effects are that flexibility and preparedness for changes are increased. The engineering time for planning and replanning is reduced. The planning work becomes more general and can partly be carried out further in advance and partly adjusted at very short notice when conditions change. Results from this feasibility study are: 1) Identification of critical features and limitations. 2) Two minimal software-based demonstrators, delivered as part of two master´s degree projects. 3) Participation in two EU applications for funding a larger project.

Approach and implementation

We have developed two proof-of-concept demonstrators in software, one for simulating assembly lines and one for planning assembly with partial orders. Both carried out as part of degree projects. The focus is on basic logic, not user interface. To enable a continuation of this feasibility study, we participate in EU applications with many parties, where one of the use cases is based on the work in this feasibility study. This allows us to expand the team with European partners and cover software development for a more useful prototype as well as publication of scientific articles.