Title: A simulation approach for managing manufacturing processes and inbound logistics: a case study

Authors: Felix T.S. Chan, H.K. Chan

Addresses: Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, 8/F, Haking Wong Building, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong. ' Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, 8/F, Haking Wong Building, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong

Abstract: This paper presents a case study of using simulation in managing cellular manufacturing process in a Small- and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME). A specific simulation approach, which can facilitate the SME to forecast how to manufacture a new product family in small batch size, was developed. Their competitive edges, which linking up with the dramatic changing market, can be improved without making investment prior to the actual production of the new products and without disturbing real operations. Material flow behaviour, utilisation of resources and manufacturing processes sequences are the criteria that decision makers are seeking for improvement through this study.

Keywords: case study; group technology; simulation; cellular manufacturing; manufacturing cells; small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; manufacturing processes; process management; inbound logistics; product families; small batch sizes; material flow; sequencing; resource utilisation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBSR.2007.014778

International Journal of Business and Systems Research, 2007 Vol.1 No.1, pp.115 - 134

Published online: 08 Aug 2007 *

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