Analyzing the effects of production control on logistic targets with web-based simulation model

Abstract

Manufacturing companies are facing the challenge to cope with individualized process chains in spite of high market dynamics. In order to achieve high process efficiency by realizing logistic targets, two main leverages can be identified: adjustment of production structure and configuration of production control. The production structure represents the layout and arrangement of machines, the organization of production processes as well as the information and material flow. Once installed, it is often set for a long period of time and therefore represents the basis for further elements in a production environment such as production control. The dilemma of production planning and control is to achieve high process efficiency, low throughput times and good planning confidence while customers demand short product-lifecycles, an increasing product variety and a growing individualization of products. Within this paper, a simulation-based study about the effects of production structure and production control to logistical targets is introduced. © 2012 IFIP International Federation for Information Processing.