A Framework for Process Planning, Scheduling and Control under Mass Customization

Framework for computer aided process planning, scheduling and control for mass customization (MC) is described in this paper. This constitutes a form of MC using one piece flow (mass production) to product variations on a number of different kinds of products (customization). The framework uses the concept of information templates or models and a rule-based system to generate manufacturing instructions. The templates combine the knowledge of bill of materials and resources while applying constraints to ensure the resulting custom product conforms to performance specifications. The feasibility and effectiveness of the framework and concepts are empirically validated by a case study implementation at a company that mass produces customized windows and doors in Calgary, Canada.