Date of Award

Spring 7-1-2013

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS)

First Advisor

Ronghua Shan

Second Advisor

Christopher Olson

Abstract

This project focuses on an information systems solution that serves to provide a method for flashing microprocessors on automotive control units in a high volume mass production setting. In order to accomplish this, an integration application was developed to mediate between the control mechanisms of an assembly machine and the handling instructions of the EEPROM flashing module to program and process the electronic product being manufactured. An additional attribute of the system is to preserve the processing data from each product being manufactured into a systems database. A third element of the information systems project is the deployment of a website that provides production and quality support staff an avenue for retrieving and assessing the flashing results for a given product. During the scope of this project, focus centered on the primary SDLC phases and methods of developing an information systems project. These included initial planning, requirements analysis, design and development, and finally implementation and maintenance stages. Artifacts and deliverables are included that reflect the progression throughout the course of this software development life cycle. To solve the problem of creating an automated high capacity method for flashing the control units, a VB.Net client application utilizing API's and multi-threading serves as the primary interface on a custom engineered assembly machine. Prior to this solution, the method involved manually connecting and interacting with each product which was inefficient and allowed for a high possibility for error and lack of quality control. This was not an acceptable means for creating a mass production process. An SQL relational database is used for storing traceability data from each product transaction that is processed through the machine. The client application performs the database updates to the server. The system website is launched using JSP and servlets technology and runs on the application server GlassFish. This information systems solution was developed and implemented in parallel with an entire new assembly line to produce automotive drive line control modules for Chrysler vehicles. Under the constraints of an aggressive deadline and customer requirements, the installation and system objectives were met and implemented on time and all tiers of the system function as intended and specified.

Comments

dsu-th-068

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