Application of value stream mapping using simulation tool in manufacturing assemble line: A case study

Abstract

Value stream mapping is one of the most convenient graphic tools in the manufacturing industry to eliminate wastes. This study has been carried out for the heat sink part assembly line of a manufacturing unit. The basic objective was to employ computational tools for carrying out value stream mapping and to make improvements. In the first stage, value stream mapping was done for the existing assemble line with details such as cycle time, setup time, number of employees, etc., to identify bottlenecks. Future value stream mapping was carried out using a software tool. Simulation is employed for identifying the real-time production bottlenecks; this in turn leads to improvement in productivity. This proposed method can be implemented for any manufacturing industry to eliminate non-value-added activities (NVA). The study demonstrates that the use of appropriate computational tools ensure standard methodology for a complex problem as well as produces quick results.