Simulation model for the design of lean manufacturing systems – a case study Online publication date: Sat, 16-May-2009
by G. Anand, Rambabu Kodali
International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management (IJPQM), Vol. 4, No. 5/6, 2009
Abstract: Many organisations are implementing 'lean manufacturing' (LM) with the objective of achieving a superior competitive advantage over other organisations. Few companies have attained their objective, while many of them did not. One of the reasons for failure is that the managers of these organisations have not understood clearly: how the performance measures of an organisation are affected, when it gets transformed through LM. This paper is an attempt to fill in this gap. It reviews the literature related to LM, simulation and explores how simulation can be used along with value stream mapping (VSM). It describes a case of a shop floor of an automobile industry, where LM is getting implemented and demonstrates the application of QUEST simulation software for developing the simulation models for both current and future state VSMs. These models will help the managers to analyse the impact of various LM elements on the performance measures of the organisation.
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management (IJPQM):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:
Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.
If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com