How can manufacturing software systems become more adaptable to change? This paper introduces a model-driven, component-based approach to engineering change in manufacturing systems, addressing the limitations of current practices that often lead to inflexible enterprise systems. The proposed approach emphasizes the use of modeling tools to formally capture and apply systems engineering activities, fostering a more dynamic and responsive manufacturing environment. By enabling the development of multi-perspective enterprise models in a computer-executable form, the approach facilitates the reconfiguration of manufacturing systems through changes in component interoperability. The research also highlights the importance of project teams working collaboratively to engineer manufacturing software. Proof-of-concept environments demonstrate the capability to engineer diverse manufacturing systems that accommodate unforeseen changes, marking a significant advancement in the flexibility and adaptability of manufacturing software.
Published in the International Journal of Operations & Production Management, this paper fits squarely within the journal's scope by addressing challenges in manufacturing system design and reconfiguration. The focus on model-driven and component-based approaches aligns with the journal's interest in innovative methods for improving operations and production efficiency. The research's emphasis on practical applications and real-world manufacturing scenarios further enhances its relevance to the journal's readership.