In September 1971, the IBM System/7 started a new assembly kit cart cum work-bench at the manufacturing facility in Boca Raton, Fla.
The specially designed “kit carts” when stocked with parts to build computers, become self-contained assembly stations.
There were displays for stock locations, and workers loaded carts from computer-generated “shopping lists.” The assembly area had a distinct supermarket appearance.
System/7, IBM’s lowest priced computer, is designed to monitor and control laboratory, industrial and other processes. Its input more commonly came from sensors -- pressure or temperature gauges.
System/7 design, had 12 different modules that were used in the system as per the requirement of the customer. That customization led Boca Raton to the “supermarket” approach, believed to be unique within the data processing industry. The system allowed the collection of parts required to assemble the module in synchronization with final assembly schedule and a unique identification with the final assembly order. It gave the system maximum ability to mass produce custom modules with less inventory, space and more visibility and reliability.
The “pre-kit” process based on the specially designed carts gathered module parts, assembled, tested and delivered to the final production area. The “kit process” allowed much of each computer to be built by a single worker.
In the process used, a parts collector, using a computer-generated list of components needed to build a specific System/7 module, stocks a special cart with all the mechanical and electrical materials (around 200 different parts) from the central supply or “supermarket” area. The cart with the kit is wheeled to a work station where it is clamped into place and becomes a work bench. An assembly technician takes over and assembles the complete module, using mechanical parts, cables and circuit cards. After assembly, the cart is wheeled t to a test station, and then to the System/7 final assembly area. There it is removed from the cart and placed in the computer’s main frame, along with other modules.
Interesting Applications of System 7
A single System/7 monitors and controls the cavity pressure on three presses turning out plastic computer equipment parts. The same computer will in addition soon control the temperature of the molten plastic and the fill rate of the molds on the three presses.
The access system at Boca was the first use of the Controlled Access System [CAS] announced by IBM last March [1971]. Wallet-sized cards coded with information on magnetic stripes serve as “keys” to the computer. As an employee inserts his card in a door-mounted reader, the reader relays the card code to the computer. The System/7 verifies the information and sends a signal which releases the door lock.
In testing other processors, the System/7 serves as a satellite computer to a System/360. Using information stored in the control computer, the System/7 checks the memory operation, control functions, data flow and instruction set. One System/7 tests four processor modules.
In the card rework area, a System/7 controls wire wrap operations on logic boards. The same computer monitors a similar operation in the modification and alteration of circuit cards.
East Fishkill. Utilizing a network of over 200 sensors, a System/7 monitors chilled and condensed water in the air conditioning system and the location’s electricity usage.
The System/7 is also linked to a rooftop weather station, monitoring the weather every minute. Data is fed to an 1130, which generates projected air conditioning or heating requirements for the remainder of the day.
Lexington. A System/7 application is being developed for the control of multiple plastic injection machines that produce the type element for IBM Selectric typewriters.
https://www.ibm.com/ibm/history/exhibits/system7/system7_use.html
https://www.ibm.com/ibm/history/exhibits/system7/system7_use2.html
Mobile Workstations for Flexible Assembly
Wheeled workbenches can work wonders on flexible assembly lines.
May 17, 2021
Austin Weber
Updated on 25 May 2021
Pub 18 July 2020
No comments:
Post a Comment