Discrete Event Simulation as a Support in the Decision Making to Improve Product and Process in the Automotive Industry - A Fuel Pump Component Case Study

Abstract

In Mexico, the automotive sector is one of the most profitable industrial activities as it contributes 2.9% of the national GDP [1]. However, there still exist facilities that are in transit of manufacturing processes improvement. In recent years, the adoption of emergent technologies, practices and tools that lead into the Industry 4.0, has been a parameter to compete and remain competitive in the global market. Upgrading all the processes is not always a viable solution. Thus, companies must identify the optimal solution to increase their productivity. Numerous technologies are available to facilitate this migration. This paper aims to show how discrete event simulation with an action research cycle supports the decision making in process improvement aided by the information collected in Collaborative Networks. A case study is shown in the automotive sector to validate changes in processes based on estimated energy consumption, maintenance strategies, process time reduction and the implementation of state-of-the-art sustainable processes.