Enhancement of overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) data by using simulation as decision making tools for line balancing

Abstract

Nowadays, the digitalization of the production-based industries is driven by emerging technologies tools. The concept of lean manufacturing (LM) towards Industry 4.0 was developed where data analytics of engineering processes are analyzed and connected to reduce wastes. Many authors discuss about the benefits of extending data analytics as a method to support decision. However, the absence of comprehensive framework on how to embed LM and IT tools has existed as a new challenge. The aim of the research is to initiate a framework of model driven decision support system (MD-DSS) where data simulation and communication technologies are accompanied for manufacturing process improvement. In this research, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) data was captured through internet networking system and simulate to predict the improvement output. The main information flow route within MD-DSS are demonstrated in detail to show how decision-making process. To illustrate the applicability of the MD-DSS, it has been applied at food industry in Malaysia. The results show that the MD-DSS can easily be adopted in factories facilited with internet network to support decision-making of improvement plan activities.