A justification methodology for the evaluation of local area network alternatives

The subject of this thesis is the development of a methodology for the justification of communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), which are the backbone of the integrated factory of the future. Alternatives to be investigated include baseband and broadband proprietary networks, as well as non-proprietary broadband networks, which support the Manufacturing Automation Protocol (MAP). Such a methodology will assist with the evaluation of new technologies, a primary stumbling block to the implementation of automated manufacturing systems. Leading economists recognize the fact that traditional justification procedures alone are incapable of providing adequate measures of merit for high technology investments.

New justification models, such as the one presented in this thesis, must be developed to allow the implementation of new technology in American industries. These models should include an analysis of the easily quantifiable financial impact, as well as an analysis of the long-term non-monetary benefits of the projects under consideration. The methodologies should be based on proven, widely accepted procedures, and must be relatively easy to implement.

This thesis proposes the use of a widely accepted form of a multiple attribute decision analysis in conjunction with traditional economic justification techniques to develop a means of assessing the desirabilities of each of a set of mutually exclusive LAN alternatives. Specifically, an additive weighted ranking and rating model is implemented through a series of interconnected computer programs in a manner that allows traditional economic measures to be an integral part of the analysis of difficult-to-quantify strategic measures of the technologies long-term benefits.