Achieving desired cycle times by modelling production systems

Abstract

Modelling and simulating discrete production processes issues were discussed in this paper. Electric scooter production line at the start-up stage was analysed. Requirements towards its efficiency were change before the line going on-line. Simulation model used production plans, drafted prior to starting production. It considered among other adding machinery, increase production capacity, process of production and transport, transport routes, layout, material flow, human resources and means of transport. The manufacturing process was designed to use KANBAN. Hence simulation models including various alternative solutions of Technical and Organisational Production Set-up were used to verify whether 12 minute cycle time was achieved. Modification to the production system included among other interchangeability of workstations and operators. Consequently bottle necks in the production process were eliminated. The project discussed in this paper proves feasibility and validity of combining simulation of production systems with Lean Manufacturing tools. © 2013 IFIP International Federation for Information Processing.