Integrated configuration and holistic evaluation of technology chains within process planning

The process planning activities and especially the selection of efficient production technologies are still sequential and insufficiently integrated within the process of product development. This paper proposes a methodology to eliminate this deficiency by means of an integrated configuration and evaluation of technology chains. Basically, the methodology consists of a product-technology-matrix, a modular generic technology chain model and a combined quantitative/qualitative evaluation model. These elements allow an adequate knowledge management concept regarding products, technologies and their relations. Furthermore, a fast configuration of alternative technology chains and a selection of the most adequate for newly designed products are addressed. Finally, procedure descriptions for the application of the methodology as well as an approach for its company specific implementation by different types of software tools are presented.