Title: Simulation models for the management of materials flow in manufacturing systems: a case study

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

Addresses: School of Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering, University of South Australia, Australia. ' Management Centre, Leicester University, UK

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to discuss the potential for simulation models to become part of decision support tools for manufacturing decision makers, rather than just a tool for simulation experts. Simulation also has a part to play in data- and knowledge-based manufacturing control systems. To demonstrate how such a simulation-based materials flow control system might be developed, a case study of a painted automotive mirror production system is given. It should be noted that at present no work has been conducted to create such a decision support system (beyond the simulation itself), this paper shall simply explore the possibilities of developing such a system.

Keywords: flow control; material flow; just-in-time; JIT delivery; paint shop operations; simulation; modelling; decision support systems; DSS; production control; automotive mirrors; mirror manufacturing.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.1994.036435

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 1994 Vol.9 No.4/5/6, pp.496 - 507

Published online: 03 Nov 2010 *

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