Towards the derivation of an integrated process cost modelling technique for complex manufacturing systems

Kwabena Agyapong-Kodua (1) , Bilal Wahid (2) , R H Weston (3)

1 Department of Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering
2 Interdisciplinary Center of Sleep Medicine
3 Wolfson School of Mech and Man Engineering

Cost modelling is used to support business decisions, especially, when the objective is to remain competitive on price and be able to realise outputs at low cost. Many Researchers and Industrialist have proposed and experimented with different cost modelling techniques with the view to influence design and production decisions at an early stage of the development process. This has led to cost modelling methods which have been broadly classified in this paper as qualitative and quantitative. The paper identifies current best practice cost modelling techniques and their performance in complex and dynamic manufacturing environments. The review served as a platform to support the recommendation for an integrated cost modelling methodology. The integrated methodology is based on the strengths of Cost Engineering, Enterprise Modelling, System Dynamics and Discrete Event Simulation Modelling techniques. The method can help in the redesign and reengineering of products and processes for better cost and value indications; support investment decision analysis; help determine appropriate business and manufacturing paradigms; influence 'make, buy or outsourcing' decisions and serve as a key process improvement tool.

Mots clés: Physical Sciences

Domaines: Sciences de l'ingénieur [physics]

Kwabena Agyapong-Kodua, Bilal Wahid, R H Weston. Towards the derivation of an integrated process cost modelling technique for complex manufacturing systems. International Journal of Production Research, 2011, pp.1. ⟨10.1080/00207543.2010.535861⟩. ⟨hal-00680171⟩