Title: Productivity improvement in subsystem of assembly process utilising simulation

Authors: Saso Krstovski; Ahad Ali

Addresses: A. Leon Linton Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lawrence Technological University, 21000 W Ten Mile Road, Southfield, MI 48075, USA. ' A. Leon Linton Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lawrence Technological University, 21000 W Ten Mile Road, Southfield, MI 48075, USA

Abstract: This paper presents a discrete event simulation model of a subsystem of assembly process. All input data and simulation model results were validated based on statistical tests. Once model validation was confirmed design of experiment (DOE) was performed on factors that influence different operating patterns. Four factor two level DOE was performed. Arrival and output streams were varied for start/stop of assembly process. Both were also assessed for impact of staggering start/stop times. Finally, feeding algorithm of parallel automatic stations operations was manipulated. DOE results indicated main contributing factor was arrival stream. Its contribution was more than ten times other factors. Any roadblocks that prevent arrivals should be addressed immediately. Downstream stream stoppages can be recovered if occurrences happens early in shift. Most improvement efforts should focus on increase in arrivals. Any additional arrivals will directly affect output. The goal of the paper is to determine optimal output.

Keywords: modelling; discrete event simulation; assembly subsystems; assembly process; productivity; design of experiments; DOE; process modelling; arrival streams.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMOM.2012.047945

International Journal of Modelling in Operations Management, 2012 Vol.2 No.3, pp.227 - 241

Published online: 21 Aug 2014 *

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