Title: A simulation-based methodology for inventory analysis due to product proliferation

Authors: Ali K. Kamrani, Arun K. Adat

Addresses: Industrial Engineering Department, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA. ' Logistics Systems Analyst, Goodman Manufacturing, Houston, TX, USA

Abstract: A fundamental insight into product variety and its impact on operation costs on an assembly line is critical to any manufacturing firm. The proposed methodology aims at developing a cost model to analyse the impact of product variety on a mixed model assembly line. A production line that assembles vehicles based on Toyota|s Just-In-Time (JIT) production system is considered. Model drop sequence on the assembly line is generated using the Toyota|s goal-sharing algorithm. The assembly line is modelled using Witness® simulation software to analyse the behaviour of the manufacturing system for product proliferation. Selective output parameters of the simulation model are monitored and used in the cost model to understand the direct and indirect costs of product variety. Informed decisions regarding a new product rollout can be made using the information obtained from this model.

Keywords: materials handling; materials delivery; product variety; production planning; simulation; inventory analysis; product proliferation; operation costs; mixed model assembly lines; cost modelling; JIT; just-in-time; goal sharing; simulation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCAT.2008.020339

International Journal of Computer Applications in Technology, 2008 Vol.32 No.2, pp.135 - 141

Published online: 18 Sep 2008 *

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