Browsing by Author "Fourie, C. J."

Now showing 1 - 5 of 5
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    A case study on maximising the profitability of a form fill and seal machine by optimising interruption intervals
    (SAIIE, 2010) Vlok, P. J.; Fourie, C. J.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The practice of delivering consumer liquids in sachets, as opposed to alternative disposable packaging, has gained significant ground in the market in recent years because of environmental considerations, the cost benefit of sachets, and the relatively simple machinery required to produce sachets. In this paper, data obtained from a form, fill and seal (FFS) sachet producing machine is analysed for financial feasibility. A statistical model is fitted to the data to optimise production interruptions, and the model’s relevance and value is confirmed on a second data set obtained from the same machine.
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    Masjienvisie as outomatiseringsopsie vir Suid-Afrikaanse nywerhede
    (SAIIE, 1990) Fourie, C. J.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Automation can effectively improve productivity. A recent shift from hard to flexible automation boosted the robotics and machine vision technology as options for implementation. The principle of machine vision is still new in South Africa and it was therefore neccessary to create a conceptual base which includes aspects of image capturing, image analysis, image interpretation and calibration. The final step of this research program was to investigate the application and justification of vision in various fields.
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    Mathematical and simulation techniques for modelling urban train networks
    (Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering, 2016) Wilson, N.; Fourie, C. J.; Delmistro, R.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Railway systems can pose complex problems for the scheduling and operation of trains. A passenger rail service’s first priority is to provide a punctual and safe transport service to its customers. But doing so is a major challenge for rail network operators, as disruptions are inevitable, especially in densely-populated networks. Disruptions can be caused not only by infrastructure or rolling stock breakdowns, but also by maintenance activities, new rolling stock, or new train services. Managing these disruptions and predicting the extent of its effects is a crucial part of rail network operation. Mathematical models and simulation can be applied to these problems. This paper will review the literature concerning the modelling of train networks.
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    A risk and cost management analysis for changes during the construction phase of a project
    (South African Institution of Civil Engineering, 2016) Schoonwinkel, S.; Fourie, C. J.; Conradie, P. D. F.
    In civil construction projects, changes are inevitable, impacting projects in terms of cost, time and quality. It is nevertheless expected of project managers to effectively manage the impacts of project changes, and to complete the project within the project constraints, despite such changes. This article explores the impact of changes on a project by comparing the findings from a South African case study to the impact of changes found in literature. The article further investigates how consulting engineers in the Western Cape deal with changes in projects, and how cost risk management is performed during changes. The findings are startling and expose the shortage of necessary skills and competencies within project management. A fresh approach is required for project managers to deal effectively with project change.
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    A virtual store framework model : optimising travel route for a passenger rail operation of maintenance components using GIS
    (Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering, 2018-08-31) Fourie, C. J.; Chimusoro, O.; Asekun, O. O.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Previous studies of supply chain management systems have attempted to focus on transportation, logistics, storage space planning, and time-to-delivery. The biggest challenge for large organisations like the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, which has a presence throughout South Africa, is trying to manage all stores efficiently and effectively. This article looks at these challenges, and provides a virtual store framework model to understand the scope and magnitude of an integrated logistics model approach. Geographical information systems were applied to the virtual store to determine an efficient route for transporting components between stores. Furthermore, the authors identified the major aspects and impacts of a virtual store system in a rail passenger transport operation. This was done through on-site studies and a review of the literature on virtual stores. The model was tested on a case study that produced results that include time and cost as the variables for decision-making.