Background:
In working on an active current project for a high-tech client, using PPR context, we have imported the EBOM, created and scoped the MBOM for 3 select sub-assemblies (out of many more), and developed a process plan for those subassemblies and the overall final assembly process (see pic 1 - example data).
The clients goals are 3-fold:
- Create robust work instructions to guide shop floor activities (for the 3 subassemblies and final) - WORK INSTRUCTIONS. Therefore capable resources need to be created and managed so to be available downstream from Process Planning and easily positioned/hidden, etc. for visualization in work instruuctions.
- Provide simple feedback (Issue Management) found during Process Planning back to Engineering team to adjust design earlier than normally (for example, will a tool, like a torque wrench, fit into a tight spot or not in the assembly process) - PLANNING STRUCTURE. Therefore, capable resources (primary & secondary) have to be easily maneuverable positionally in Process Planning apps.
- Simulate the final assembly process of all sub-assemblies onto the main body (including all tooling, fixtures, overhead lifts, tables, etc.) to see if there are any issues with loading and fitment at final assembly - ASSEMBLY EVALUATION. Using tracks and sequences, etc. Again, capable resources should be easily managed here.
In all three categories, Capable Resources play a part. So, we
- used the "Manage a Resource Structure" and created a capable resource structure (AREA), as shown above.
- Then we used "Manage Capable Resources" to define Primary & Secondary resources & their position (for example an Assembly Station or Table as type NC Machine and Primary Resource, an automatic screwdriver (type Tool Equipment) as a Secondary).
RESULTS:
When moving the buildup, interferences are present with the Primary Resource (to the build up) and are detected by Dynamic Clash - see pic2. THIS IS GOOD.
However, when positioning a secondary resource, the dynamic clash operation (which would be very helpful in finding out early assembly issues - can a tool be used here, for example), does not seem to function as necessary by highlighting clash to the Build-Up, only shows clash to the Primary Resource - (see pic 3, 4).
If I knew how to do this, it would help me find tooling and build issues in this early stage of Process Planning. But the software will not allow me to use the build-up as detectable by Dynamic Clash for a secondary resource.
Furthermore, in switching to Assembly Evaluation app (see pic5), I am not able to right click on an operation that has Capable Resources defined and edit the position of the secondary resources (like the screw gun). A message pops up that no resources are assigned. Am I missing some theory here that could be useful? Appreciate any insight.
Hopefully these capable resources (defined in Panning Structure) will be maneuverable using Tracks in Assembly Eval app and the moving objects dialog...will be using that shortly.
Thanks for any info - this all would be very helpful to the client (Value added for possible purchase) but not sure the best way to move these objects in the various apps. (The documentation/training on much of the maneuverability of the capable resources is limited.)
