The Future of Flexible Product Manufacturing by Using Industry 4.0 Technologies in Regard to Consumer Preferences

THE AIMS OF THE PAPER The core objectives of this paper are to understand constantly changing consumer choices over time and the manufacturing of flexible products to answer the problem. The flexible products with multiple utility choices can help consumers from every segment to fulfil their needs. The study has shed light on the flexible product manufacturing process and has also discussed launching strategies into the market with having considered various market factors in the process. METHODOLOGY A rigorous analysis of literature has been done to understand why flexible products should be preferred over standard products. Literature related to flexible product strategy is being examined and explored its dimensions of price setting and product utility. MOST IMPORTANT RESULTS This study provides a road map for companies to shift their focus on developing new manufacturing processes in order to develop flexible products to address dynamic consumer preferences. This study also shed light on the fact the flexible products might be more profitable for the company. RECOMMENDATIONS The findings show that flexible products provide larger range of utility choices and with a right price; it can be more profitable than a standard product. Flexible products can go along with mass customisation of products which can enlarge utility choices for consumers to an unlimited level.

Torsion Failures in Handling Operations for Power Cables, Umbilicals and Flexible Pipes

Over the past 10 years, SINTEF has investigated, or been informed about, a range of torsion failures in cables, umbilicals or flexible pipes. These failures have occurred while the flexible products were being transported along a route during production, loadout, installation. One failure occured during operation. There are no guidelines on how to minimize the risk of such failures. This may be attributed to a lack of knowledge in the industry about the mechanisms that cause torsional moments to appear. Further, some buckling patterns of the components of a flexible product under excessive torsion, closely resemble patterns caused by excessive bending or compressive load, so that some torsion-induced failures are wrongly attributed. Hence, there is a need to increase the knowledge and awareness of torsion failures in the industry. Previous papers by the authors have considered some of the mechanisms that lead to the appearance of torque in handling operations. The present paper is a continuation which focuses on torque-induced failure modes. It begins by providing a systematic nomenclature for the description of torsion kinematics. It then provides a qualitative description of known torque-induced failure modes. The literature provides some models for torque-induced failures, as well as models of component failures due to excessive bending or compression of the flexible product, which are also relevant for the study of torsion. These are reviewed, and their relevance to torsion-induced failures are discussed. Knowledge gaps and challenges are highlighted.

Universal Design: A Problem-Based Exercise in a Fast-Paced Competitive Environment

Universal Design (UD) involves the creation of accessible, flexible products that are functional for a wide population of users. Our problem-based learning exercise challenges student teams to create products and services guided by the principles of UD. After teams generate their new product concept, a spokesperson from each team pitches it in front of the class. Using polling software, the entire class evaluates the student-generated solutions on two criteria: the integration of UD principles and creativity. This fast-paced, gamified activity is scalable from small classes to large-class populations (of 100 students) or online settings. Our goal is to help all participants understand the benefits of inclusiveness in the creative design process.

The Installation of Flexible Risers and Flowlines Systems With PLET on the Subsea End

Flexible riser and flowline systems used in offshore oil and gas developments in shallow and deep water are typically terminated with vertical connectors with goosenecks or with horizontal connectors. An alternative arrangement is to terminate with PLET although it is not as commonly adopted. PLETs usually have a sizeable dimension and weight compared to the vertical and horizontal connectors hence present handling and deployment issues. A number of flexible risers and flowlines terminated with PLETs recently installed in a deepwater development in Gulf of Mexico showed that with careful engineering such deployment is viable and can be performed safely by a typical flexlay vessel. The installation engineering, installation aid requirements, the deployment methodology are presented and discussed. The observations from ensuing offshore operation showed that the flexible torsion and twist during deployment need to be carefully monitored and managed offshore. Flexibles terminated with PLETs could be potentially suitable where life of field gooseneck load may be excessive or for bigger and stiffer flexible products where making the 2nd end connections might be a challenging undertaking offshore. A PLET could also be used where an intermediate structure is required along a MEG line for example where In-Line Terminations (ILTs) are needed for flying leads plug-in. This would save on requirement for an intermediate structure and connectors.