the Technology Interface Journal/Fall 2008 Ulmer

System Integration: A Plan of Implementation

by

Jeffrey M. Ulmer, Ph.D., ASQ-CMQ/OE

[email protected]
School of Technology
University of Central Missouri

Abstract

Engineering technologists are presented with an example of a prototyping system integration

proposal consisting of a four-phase plan detailing system development and implementation.
The purpose of this four-phase integration template is to provide technologists with an example
of how offsite corporate design engineers and plant-level prototype technicians can build
household spray bottle prototypes through the use of an electronic secure system. Phase one is
directed at upper and frontline management for approval (including plan review and
modification by a certified system integrator) and support. Phase two establishes the project
team in tandem with purchasing, and setting up, hardware and software. Phase three is the
rollout portion where all corporate and plant-level individuals are trained on the system. Phase
four entails final validation of the preconceived system’s capabilities. This optimized system
from development through implementation will cost the company $32,852 with an associate(s)
commitment of 498 hours (included in total cost).

Introduction

The following documentation provides novice engineering technologists with an example of

how system integration can be utilized to improve product prototyping. The proposal is basic
and easy to follow. The equipment identified, and their related costs, will change as new
technologies are developed and distributed in the marketplace. This paper was not written to
“sell” readers on listed hardware and software, but to provide a template of system integration
considerations. In the case of this paper, the dialogue is written as a proposal to upper
management and can help technologists in creation of proposals for future employers.

Discussion

An integrated prototyping computer-based drawing / bill of material / routing system is being

developed for transmitting information within a midsized household spray bottle manufacturing
organization. The actual name of the company is not listed due to confidentiality concerns.
The integrated system will make it possible for off-site corporate engineering to communicate
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prototype design configurations to the manufacturing plant, allow for ease-in-design,

communication between the two entities, and streamline the prototyping process through the
use of computers and systems software. The system will be configured with off-the-shelf
computer equipment and software in a wire, and wireless, internet setup.

The current prototyping communication system requires the use of fax lines and numerous
phone calls. This system is not effective, nor efficient, since faxed documents are sometimes
misplaced or lost at the plant. Furthermore, phone calls to technicians are not always placed or
received to inform them that documents have been transmitted. This can sometimes require
multiple fax transmissions of the same document. Corporate management has identified the
current “fax and phone” procedure as a weakness that should be immediately addressed. Cost
comparisons between the current and proposed systems are not required in this proposal.

The new integrated system will utilize the “Brava! - Enterprise” program for technical content
corporate-to-plant and plant-to-corporate electronic communication. Brava! will access
database information (includes Word, Excel, and CAD files) through a Java-based system
through a TCP/IP-configured computer port. Routers and work instructions will be created in
Microsoft’s Word, word processing program. Prints will be created in the AutoCAD 2000
“dwg” format (to allow for legacy computers to be used), but will be saved as “dxf” type files
for intra-organizational file viewing / marking-up over Microsoft Internet Explorer Version 6.0.
By having the capability to “mark-up” AutoCAD dxf files (client / web browser markup
capability), Brava! makes it possible for Prototype Technicians to communicate design
changes, routing changes, and bill-of-material issues back to the Design Engineers in real-time.
Microsoft’s PowerPoint program will be used to communicate design particulars to Prototype
Technicians at the plant level.

The user-interfaced hardware utilized will be desktop and wireless personal computers (PC) for
Design Engineers and Prototype Technicians. The wireless PC’s will be used by Prototype
Technicians when they are performing an operation out in the plant where a desktop computer
is not available.

The following diagrams illustrate system setup (see Figure 1) and information processing steps
(see Figure 2):

Plant Prototype
Corporate Design Technicians
Engineers Desktop
Internet Computer
Desktop
Computer
Corporate Plant Desktop
Server Server Computer

Desktop
Computer Wireless
Laptop
Computer

Figure 1. Equipment Setup for the Systems Integration Plan

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Prototype test data If approved by the

conveyed back to CDE CDE, prototype is
START for approval or packaged and shipped
Sales takes
additional instructions. to the customer.
prototype Order

PT builds prototypes
Corporate Design per web documents.
END
Engineer (CDE) refines
requirements with Sales

PT works with plant

Manufacturing
CDE designs product Engineers (ME) to Note: Using the markup capabilities of
components on CAD, complete required
creates work instructions, tooling – ME’s also Brava!, the Prototype Technicians,
and Bill of Materials – utilize “DXF” web Corporate Design engineers, and the
using existing documents.
manufacturing design plant’s Manufacturing Engineers can
database communicate design and assembly
Prototype Technician issues very easily through web
(PT) uses web browser
to access prototype
browsers.
CDE publishes prototype prints in “DXF”
documents to web using format – also views
work instructions and
Brava! Enterprise
bill of materials.

Figure 2. Information Processing for the Systems Integration Plan

Through the use of Brava! there will be no need for a Remote Data Subset Synchronization
(RDSS) coupling prototype technician software activities back to the corporate engineering
database. As Myerson (2002) states RDSS is only required for client systems needing data
synchronization with that of a master server database. Fortunately in the Brava! system
arrangement proposed, electronic files accessed by Brava! will remain unchanged and therefore
file integrity will be maintained.

The company will also benefit from a knowledge storehouse by implementing the proposed
prototyping system with the corporate engineering environment. This accomplishment will
come about in the form of highly detailed prints and documents that will be deposited into a
data warehouse for all members to use in the company as needed – minimizing duplication and
relearning of past mistakes and successes. Through proper Knowledge Management (KM) of
the company’s intellectual capital, gains in the aggregate storehouse of company knowledge
will be available for all to use. For instance, Purba (2001) states “the major entities of a
foundation data store become dimensions in a data warehouse – literally historical snapshots of
the foundation data store.” By using Brava! as the transfer inter-organizational medium, these
“snapshots” can standardize product design, processes, and documentation.

Culture and language differences between corporate engineering and plant level prototype
technicians will not be a factor for this proposal since all live within the United States and
communicate through the English language coupled with American values. Modifications to

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the systems may be necessary for future cross-country implementations. Especially in meeting
regional needs in culture and language.

The security of the new integrated system should be ample to protect the electronic documents
and transmissions for the client company from unwanted eyes. Through the use of the 128-bit
Wireless Equivalent Protocol (WEP) security software built into wireless adapters (USB
mounted transceivers), the computers should be able to communicate effectively, efficiently,
and in “safe-mode” from a security standpoint.

Integration Details

Through the integration of the prototyping process into a semi-automated system, the handling
of prototype work orders via electronic “paper” work should make it easier for corporate design
engineers and plant level prototype technicians to communicate. The goal of the system will be
to communicate technical bi-directional information electronically without the use of paper
documentation. This goal should be obtainable by designing a user-friendly computer-based
integrated prototyping system and properly instructing corporate and plant work associates in
its use.

This new integrated system is also needed to further insure that personnel such as Corporate
Design Engineers and Prototype Technicians directly support manufacturing. The proposed
Brava! Enterprise program will allow for a deeper integration of information technologies from
production-to-engineering and engineering-to-production. Thus, further enhancing the
likelihood of prototyping success (i.e.: building prototypes that are manufacturable on the
production floor beyond the typical “one-time” prototyping process utilized by most
companies). Figure 3 illustrates the steps involved in integrating the system:

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Prototyping System Integration Timeline Year

Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 Month 4 Month 5
Step Task / Discussion Week: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
1 Clearly define the goal of the system (this proposal)
2 Obtain Upper Management approval of initial proposal & financial arrangements
3 Share issues of inherent risk in implementation with Upper Management
4 Certified System Integrator to critique existing proposal & submit a new one
Phase 1

5 If necessary, resubmit new proposal to Upper Management for approval

6 Seek Frontline Management approval of the proposal (separate meeting)
7 Determine system user capability, share with Upper and Frontline Management
8 Confirm financial arrangements with Upper Management
9 Repeat sharing of inherent risk issues with Upper Management
10 Milestone: Project Approved
11 Information Technology (IT) Technician orders and receives Hardware
12 IT Technician orders and receives Software
13 IT Technician sets up computers, network, and software at company locations
Phase 2

14 Pick project team members (1 IT Tech. [plan proposer], 1 C. Engr., 1 P. Tech.)

15 Train project team in use of software and hardware
16 Project team tests / modifies system to insure that all requirements are met
17 Implement contingency plan if issues arise (buffer for unknown problems)
18 Validate integrity of the system after each system change or modification
19 Milestone: System Setup and Troubleshooting is Complete
20 Train corp. engineering & plant prototype technicians in use of the system
Phase 3

21 Facilitate users by being available for questions & issues in usage of the system
22 Validate integrity of the system
23 Company target completion date for integrated prototyping system
24 Milestone: Prototyping System Integration Plan is Complete
Phase 4

25 Follow-up with the company to make sure the system is working as planned
26 Correct issues as needed
27 Milestone: Follow-up of Prototyping System Integration Plan is Complete
Note: Weeks, Months, and Year to be determined based upon company receptiveness of proposal.

Figure 3. Prototyping System Integration Timeline

To further elaborate on the integration details, the following discussion will highlight key tasks
within the prototyping system integration timeline - specifically tasks that must be
accomplished in order to obtain successful system integration. It must be stated at this point
that weekly updates of the project will be given to upper management. Good communication
between the company and the project team is the goal.

The 19-week prototyping system integration plan is divided up into 4 phases of implementation
(timeline may vary depending on needs of each company involved). Phase 1 involves defining
and refining the proposal in tandem with obtaining company approval of the plan. Phase 2
details the setting up of the system for company usage. Phase 3 involves the rolling out of the
system to company individuals who will be using the system. And lastly, phase 4 is when the
proposing party (the Information Technology Technician – IT Tech) communicates with
system users to insure that the system is working as planned. The following dialogue provides
greater insight into each project step.

Phase 1 - Definition and approval:

Step 1 Establish guidelines and requirements for the system integration project in
clear and concise terms.

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Steps 2 & 3 Obtain upper management approval of the initial proposal, and agreement on
the financial aspects, and inherent risks of the project. It is very important at
this stage that upper management understands the positives and possible
negatives of the system in order to create buy-in early on in the life of the
project.

Step 4 The information system proposed is analyzed by a system integrator who is

certified by the Control and Information System Association (CSIA).
Through CSIA certification, the system integrator is by definition
(paraphrased) “an independent value-added engineer, or technologist, that
focuses on industrial control and information systems, manufacturing
execution systems, and plant automation that require application knowledge
and technical expertise (CSIA, 2007).”

Step 5 This step is allows for system improvements identified by the system
integrator.

Steps 6 & 7 Planner meets with frontline management, system users, and upper and
frontline management to share apparent capabilities of the company’s users.

Steps 8 & 9 These steps are not just repeat of aforementioned steps, but an affirmation of
the financial arrangements and inherent risks with upper management after
the certified system integrator is finished with their modifications of the plan.

Step 10 At this point, if upper management is positive on the plan, a milestone has
been reached in obtaining project approval.

Phase 2 – System Setup:

Steps 11 & 12 IT Tech orders and receives the hardware and software.

Step 13 Setup of computers, networks, and the software at participating company

locations.

Step 14 IT Tech picks a key corporate engineer and a key plant level prototyping
technician, for these three individuals will form the project implementation
team.

Step 15 IT Tech trains corporate engineer and prototyping technician.

Step 16 Project team tests and modify the system to insure that all requirements are
being met when using the prototyping system.

Step 17 This is a buffer week for the project team just in case something goes wrong
in the development of the system.

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Note: if something does go wrong at this stage, it is the responsibility of the

project team to notify upper management of the problem.

Step 18 Additional validation of the prototyping system to insure specification

compliance.

Step 19 A milestone is reached since the system is now set up and all troubleshooting
is complete.

Phase 3 – Training & System Validation:

Step 20 All corporate engineers and plant level prototype technicians are trained in
the use of the system. This training will be conducted in such a way by the
project team, that each user will feel a sense of ownership in the prototyping
system.

Step 21 Other affected parties in the company are encouraged to ask questions and
participate during this step.

Step 22 Another validation of the system – this time by both the users and the project
team.

Step 23 The pre-established target completion date for the project – in this case, week
14.

Step 24 The prototyping system integration is complete.

Phase 4 – System Follow-up:

Step 25 Established in order to make sure that the system is working as planned –
after 2-3 weeks of user familiarity.

Step 26 Problems are eliminated or at least ameliorated.

Step 27 Completion of the prototyping system integration follow-up measures.

For additional understanding in the selection of hardware, software, labor, and training
allowances, See Figures 4 & 5 for cost factor section criteria. The figures shown clearly
explain the selection of each topic for the reader’s convenience.

Hardware and Software Requirements

The basic system will consist of the following at each location (Also see Figure 1 & 3):

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Corporate Engineering:

1. Two desktop computers (with mounted wireless adapters)

2. Wireless router
3. DSL Modem (Note: the company already has a DSL Internet line in place)
4. Server
5. Laser Printer

Plant Prototyping:

1. Two desktop computers (with mounted wireless adapter)

2. One laptop computer (with internal wireless computer card)
3. Wireless router
4. DSL Modem
5. Server
6. Laser Printer

The summary of hardware to be used between both locations will consist of:

1. *Desktop computers.
2. *Laptop computers.
3. 2.4 GHz 802.11 a/g std. Wireless Local-Area-Network (WLAN) for computer-to-
server communication.
4. Wireless adapters and network cards (Laptop & Router).
5. DSL Broadband Internet connection.
6. *Servers, routers, and modems - (this includes components both at corporate
headquarters and at the manufacturing plant).
7. Laser Printers.
8. LAN cables, printer cables, laser print cartridges, and miscellaneous assorted
hardware.
*Minimum Specifications: Computers and servers to be 1.8 GHz, 1 GB RAM, 17”
Monitor (Laptop: 12-inch Active Matrix), 80 GB Hard drive, 8x CD-ROM, Microsoft
Mouse.

Software will include:

1. Informative Graphics’ Brava! Enterprise.

2. Microsoft Windows Vista Business Operating System.
3. Microsoft Windows SQL Server 2005 Workgroup Edition.
4. Microsoft 2007 Office Small Business Edition (Includes Word, Excel,
PowerPoint).
5. Norton SystemWorks 2007 Premier V10.0 SOP 5-User Package from Symantec.
6. 128-bit Wireless Equivalent Protocol (WEP) security software built into Wireless
Adapters.

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Cost Factor Estimates

Figures 4 & 5 identifies the financial impact of setting up a new integration prototyping system
in terms of hardware, software, labor and training costs – explanation to follow:

Figure 4. Hardware Costs

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Figure 5. Software, Labor, and Training Costs

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Fundamental to the success of any system integration project is the task of determining the total
cost of implementation. For this study, the proceeding tables highlight the financial
commitment on the part of the company to integrate the prototyping system.

Hardware costs total at $13,569, accounting for the purchase of the desktop computers, laptop
computer, wireless 2.4 Ghz USB adapters, wireless routers, modems, servers, laser printers,
cables, and various incidentals. Software costs total $4,561, accounting for the purchase of the
Brava! Enterprise, Microsoft Windows Vista Business Operating System (comes loaded on
computers), Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Workgroup Edition, Norton SystemWorks 2007
Premier V10.0 SOP 5-Uswer Package from Symantec, and Microsoft 2007 Office Small
Business Edition. Labor and Training costs reach upwards to $14,722, with a total time
commitment on the part of all involved at 498 hours. Therefore, the grand total for
implementation of the prototyping system is $32,852.

Potential Problem Areas

The problems appear to be minimal at this level of the analysis, but possible issues could
include the following:

1. Corporate and plant personnel could have difficulty in adapting to the new technology.
2. The cost of purchasing the Brava! Enterprise software, computers, and internet
interlinking equipment could be higher than corporate could be willing to spend.
3. The Brava! Enterprise software could possibly be difficult to work with, which would
further frustrate corporate and plant personnel in using it.
4. Brava! Enterprise may not link well with between corporate and plant level computers.
5. The security of the Brava! Enterprise software output (published CAD files, work
instructions, bill of materials) may not be as secure as reported by the vendor.
6. Working with computers exclusively could take more corporate and plant personnel
time than is presently expended with paper documents (this could reduce ROI
considerably). This would also create associate resistance using the system, resulting in
associates attempting to route around the Brava! system for information retrieval.
7. Prototype technicians may be more likely to damage desktop and laptop computers due
to greater frequency of use and mobility factors (of the laptop).
8. Due to the constraints of corporate management, Return-On-Investment (ROI)
requirements were not identified. Typically ROI is part of a proposal plan.
9. This could be a feasible plan; that is if a prospective company has adequate prototyping
volume. Therefore, the implementation of this prototyping system integration plan
would have to be analyzed for prospective companies on a case-to-case basis.

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Recommendations and Conclusions

The aforementioned plan sets the stage for increasing prototype development efficiency in an
intra-plant cooperative environment. Through the company investment of time and money,
greater yields in the form of productivity should be realized. Yields should consist of reduced
errors (found by having only one version of each document on each server), ease in
communication (electronically transmitted information in real time with original and marked-
up documents), ease in use (using standard GUI-type windows interface software), and
centralized knowledge storage (stored on corporate server for all to view and utilize). The
system proposed should be quite nimble for a corporation in that tasks will be standardized
among the corporation with all using the same system.

Through this proposal, engineering technologists have been provided a system integration
example (or template). The primary benefits of this paper to the reader is access ease of the
article (available online) without cost (a textbook was not purchased). If the technologist is
seeking approval of projects based upon ROI, which was not required for this proposal, a cost
comparison of current versus projected new project costs would be necessary. Furthermore, in
some cases additional project alternatives may be required to meet the needs of their employing
organizations.

References

1. CDW, Wireless Adapter & Modem Specifications and Cost, 2007, http://www.cdw.com
2. Control and Information Systems Integrators Association (CSIA), Control System
Integrator Characteristics, October 20, 2007,
http://www.controlsys.org/about/system_integrators.htm
3. Dell, Latitude D520 Notebook Computer Specifications and Quote Sheet, October 20,
2007, http://www.dell.com
4. Dell, Vostro 400 Desktop Mini-Tower Computer Specifications and Quote Sheet,
October 20, 2007, http://www.dell.com
5. Hewlett-Packard, HP Color LaserJet CP4005dn Specifications and Accessories Quote
Sheet, October 20, 2007, http://www.hp.com
6. Informative Graphics Corporation, “Brava! – Enterprise Software”, October 20, 2007,
http://www.bravaviewer.com/enterprise.htm
7. Myerson, J.M. (Ed.), “Enterprise Systems Integration (2nd Ed.)”, 2002, Boca Raton, FL:
Auerback Publications.
8. Purba, S. (Ed.), “High-Performance Web Databases: Design, Development, and
Deployment”, 2001, Boca Raton, FL: Auerback Publications
9. Provantage, Various Software Costs, October 20, 2007, http://www.provantage.com
10. Rouse, N.E., “Get The Most Out of Electronic Files”, October, 2003, Desktop
Engineering, 9, 42-45.
11. Tie, Wu (n.d.), “Optimizing Data Integration of CRM and Legacy Systems in
Companies”, October 20, 2007,
http://www.pafis.shh.fi/~tiewu01/projects/research%20proposal1.htm

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12. Trinity Integrated Solutions, Inc., “The Project Proposal: The first step to help your
company successfully implement warehouse management, resource directing and / or
speech and hands-free computing solutions”, No Date on Article,
http://www.trinityis.com/proposal.htm

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Appendix A

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Appendix A - Continued

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Appendix B

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Appendix B - Continued

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