A Theoretical Framework for the Integration of Resource Aware Planning with Logistics for the Dynamic Validation of Aggregate Plans within a Production Network

One of the most persistent and potentially far reaching, in terms of industrial benefits, problem in new product development, is the parallel and synchronous design and evaluation of the product, the production processes and the production network. The proposed theoretical framework for collaborative design and production network development is based on the concept of Digital Enterprise Technology (DET) and facilitates the integration of design and resource aware planning with aspects of network design and logistics. The controlling cycle of the framework is the DET-enabled, human centric evaluation of products, plans and network configurations that gives rise to an emergent synthesis environment. Early testing using aerospace products has been very encouraging.