In this version, Fujitsu has enhanced the function for creating a Bill of Process (BOP) that stores and manages data (hereafter referred to as process information) such as parts, work procedures, locations, equipment and tools, and manufacturing know-how used in product assembly in product preparation processes. This enables high-quality, efficient production by leveraging valuable data on product assembly to help customers get products to market faster and more competitively.
By promoting the digitization of the production preparation process in the manufacturing industry through VPS (Virtual Product Simulator), Fujitsu will ultimately support the continuity of its customers' businesses by furthering their DX (Digital Transformation) efforts as they transition to a "New Normal," amidst measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Background
In the manufacturing industry, production methods are becoming more complex due to the rise of multi-product, small-lot production. Therefore, there is a growing awareness about the necessity to approach production with speed and balance by creating BOP, which involves the quick and accurate collection of data on product assembly in production preparation processes.
In addition, measures to improve business continuity (such as the promotion of remote work through digitization of the production preparation process) are required as the spread of COVID-19 and actions to prevent it are ushering in an era of new normal.
Features of the New Version
1. VPS Standard and VPS Manufacturing support rapid and flexible BOP creation
VPS Standard and VPS Manufacturing make it possible to carry over BOP from previous models to the new models. As a result, it is possible to create process sequences and process information on VPS in half the time(2). Process verifications can be carried out efficiently and quickly when planning a new model or producing the same product at another plant.
In addition, a new function has been added to allow tabular form entry on VPS.of the QC process flow chart and process FMEA table(3), which are created to control the quality of work in the product manufacturing process. As a result, BOP, which contains information on process control methods, can be created on VPS in an integrated manner. This reduces duplication and omission of transfer information when QC process diagrams and process FMEA tables are individually created and managed, and improves the productivity of process verification.
Furthermore, Fujitsu has enhanced design modification functionality, which reflects information about changes to design. The design structure tree(4) obtained from CAD and the manufacturing structure tree created in VPS are displayed side by side, and the modified parts are displayed in different colors on the comparison screen of the product models before and after the design change. This makes it easier to understand modifications in design information and enables the latest design information to be reflected more efficiently and flexibly.
2. VPS GP4 creates more accurate BOP by improving the adherence on the production line
VPS GP4 has added functionality that automatically places equipment on the production line. This is based on layout information and equipment names set in the product model of VPS Standard and VPS Manufacturing upon inspection of the layout of a production line. This feature reduces the time required to create a layout on a production line by 20%(5), thereby accelerating and shortening verification periods.
When conducting productivity reviews, the ability to review work procedures (including tasks related to in-progress products between processes) has also been enhanced. This makes it possible to easily generate in-progress products, which are in the middle of assembly, and reduces the time required for creating production line improvement proposals on VPS by 80%(6). These features enable users to create a production-ready BOP more efficiently and without any errors or omissions, while achieving high yields immediately after production begins.
Future Plans
Going forward, Fujitsu will continue to support the continuity of our customers' businesses in the era of "new normal" by enhancing the functions of VPS to contribute to the further digitization of production preparation tasks, and to encourage customer DX initiatives to streamline productivity.
