n Konfigurasie bestuurstelsel - vir die Metallurgie en Inspeksie afdeling van 'n chemiese aanleg

Abstract

The current situation in South Africa forces industry to investigate all possibilities to increase profit. Configuration management systems were identified as an aid to reach the objective of zero defects. Configuration management systems contribute to better integrity of equipment in a plant. Management information, which is obtained with the help of configuration management systems, contributes to fewer shorter-planned and fewer unexpected shutdowns and also extends the lifetime of equipment. Modern technology makes it possible to develop effective configuration management systems which satisfy the specific needs of users in a cost effective way. Better support for management decision-making is obtained by integrating systems engineering into configuration management. The purpose of this study is to develop a configuration management system for the Metallurgy and Inspection division of a chemical plant. The development of the system is based on a literature survey of the experience encountered in methods, models and principles of configuration management and systems. The study is also supplemented by ideas and advice from knowledgeable people in the field of configuration management. User's specific needs were also obtained from personnel, management and clients of the Metallurgy and Inspection division.A conceptual configuration management system for the Metallurgy and Inspection division was developed with aid of the information described in the previous paragraph. The operational requirements, functional requirements and key success factors were determined for the system. A computer system proposal was made on which the system should be operated. The next step was to develop the proposed configuration management system in more detail. The total life cycle of the system was identified. A configuration management model for the Metallurgy and Inspection division was developed in detail. The recommended model consists of a design data file, an investigation data file with which investigations should be administrated, data to information processing files, history files and reporting files. into the model. Systems engineering is being integrated In conclusion, recommendations were made on the configuration management system. From the conclusions which were made, it can be derived that the aims of the dissertation were reached successfully. Other advantages of the configuration management system for the Metallurgy and Inspection division were also highlighted. It is the conviction of the writer that the proposed system will contribute to a heal thy profit position within the organization.