Flexible Accounting Systems in Dynamic Manufacturing Environments

Funded by: National Science Foundation

Judy M. Vance
Virtual Reality Applications Center
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa 50011-2160

Moller-Wong, C.
Asst. Prof., Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, ISU

West, T.
Asst. Prof., Accounting, ISU

January 1996-January 1999

Abstract
This research will develop a flexible accounting system that integrates four alternative costing methodologies into the product life cycle framework. Using virtual manufacturing equipment, the operational and financial impact of proposed technologies can be assessed. Five industry collaborators will participate in developing and testing a modification to an existing virtual manufacturing cell environment that incorporates the new cost model. The results of this work may be used to develop a practical tool for moving beyond traditional accounting methods in assessing the impact of proposed technology investments on an existing factory environment. Fundamental issues in making process design decisions will be explored in this research that should enable the development of practical models for assessing operational and financial impact of new technologies. Design tools based on these models would be used in accounting, process design, and technology management to estimate the cost of introducing new technologies.

Projects
Implementing Discrete Event Programming in a Virtual Factory