Computers manufacturing operations

Robert W. Schrage, The Automatic Computer in the Control and Planning of Manufacturing Operations... 

Many years ago in Singapore, we were in the process of designing a new Flyback for a major computer manufacturer (known for its alternative operating systems). The metal box for the power supply, including all mounting locations, vents, holes, and so on, was predetermined. Somehow we had to fit within the constraints. 

Robert W. Schrage, The Automatic Computer in the Control and Planning of Manufacturing Operations Ernest J. Henley and Nathaniel F. Barr, Ionizing Radiation Applied to Chemical Processes and to Food and Drug Processing... 

The categories listed above require qualification and validation documentation. It is advisable that process automation and companion computer-integrated manufacturing operations not be initiated until sufficient prospective and concurrent validation studies have been completed. 

Recent years have seen two important developments relating to the control and planning of manufacturing operations. One of these has been the emergence of new theoretical methods of problem analysis, most of which are predominantly mathematical in character. The second is the availability of automatic computing equipment capable of performing... 

The primary purpose of this chapter is to indicate some of the areas in which a computer can make a significant contribution in the manufacturing operations of the process industries. A second objective is to discuss some of the practical considerations involved in selecting and using a computer in this work. Consideration will be given to some of the special techniques for problem solution which are important in computing work. 

A large part of accounting is concerned with providing control information for manufacturing operations. It is not within the scope of this chapter to discuss the many applications of computers in this work. There is, however, a part of accounting procedures which is of particular interest from a technical viewpoint. This is the subject of operations accounting, which is concerned with the current operations of process equipment. The subject is important in the planning of future operations as well as the control of current operations. It is worth while, if not indeed necessary, to know both what information is available and how it was obtained. 

It is also recognized that satisfactory implementation, operation, and maintenance of a computer system in the manufacturing operating environment is dependent on the following ... 

Computer Room. Computer rooms are usually constructed according to standard requirements of the major computer manufacturers. The details of the particular specifications for the computer room should be outlined for environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, line voltage and radio frequency interference). Consideration should be given to the differences in requirements for large computer rooms with multiple systems and for systems in laboratory areas. Each system should have a set of operating manuals and historical logs for 1) hardware, 2) software, 3) critical events, 4)... 

Responsibilities are often similar across multiple functional groups such as Information Technology, Engineering, Laboratories (QA/R D), Clinical Research, Manufacturing/ Operations, contract developers, and computer technology suppliers. 

The instructions embedded in computer program(s) either provide information on what the operators are supposed to do, or information on how the equipment or processes are intended to function. For example, for manufacturing operations, the batch production and control records may provide procedures, controls, instructions, specifications, and precautions to be followed when using computer systems. These programs may also contain control data for product formulation, batch size, yields, and automated in-process sampling/testing procedures. 

Phase 5 Multiple CPUs And Intelligent Laboratory Devices On The Network. Computer manufacturers have developed systems with multiple CPUs and multiple operating systems (i.e. A Network). The construction of networks comprised completely of intelligent laboratory devices is a real possibility with the availability of the Ethernet Specification. Small local area networks of laboratory deices will develop using Ethernet and other technologies. Later these local networks will be interconnected probably via routers and gateways to broadband, Satellite, and telephone facilities. 

The EZ-Track system monitors machine status, downtime, scrap, raw material usage, and labor activity. It can also be used to track machine efficiencies and compute yield efficiencies. Labor, time, and attendance can be tracked by employees and associated with machines, jobs, and activities. In this way, manufacturing managers can determine what jobs, machines, or activities require more labor resources than others. This then allows them to investigate areas where more efficiency, possibly in the form of process automation, could be introduced into their manufacturing operations. 

Remember that the GxP requirements for computer data are the same as for manufacturing records and documentation. Similarly, computer hardware (operating platforms and supporting networks) should fulfill the GxP requirements of manufacturing equipment. 

The validation computer networks are therefore clearly important, but how do we go about validating them and how much detail is required The FDA gave the following advice in 1983 on the topic of compnter networks supporting manufacturing operations ... 

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