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| Manufacturing / Production Simulation |
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| Manufacturing / Production Simulation |
Manufacturing simulation (or Production Simulation as it is also referred to) is applied extensively to analyze the operations of discrete manufacturing systems. Examples of such systems are automotive plants, component manufacturers, packing lines, steel & foundry units, to name a few.
These systems can be quite complex since they involve production & assembly of a variety of product types, each having its own sequence of operations, set up time and cycle times. There are numerous algorithms for production planning & scheduling, and simulation provides an ideal platform for validating them prior to implementation.
A big challenge facing companies today is the implementation of lean manufacturing strategies. The task can be quite overwhelming and the question usually asked is – Where do I start? Consider for example the reduction of work-in-process (WIP) and lead-time. A detailed manufacturing simulation model of the existing facility can provide statistics that : |
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Identify areas where the WIP is high |
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Track lead time accurately, along with a break-up of value-added and non-value added time |
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| This enables companies to follow a systematic approach by focusing on high-priority bottlenecks. The baseline model can then be used to evaluate various scenarios (process & layout changes), resulting in savings of time and money during the planning process. |
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