Application of Discrete-Event Simulation to Increase Throughput of Manufacturing System—A Case Study

Author(s):  
Prasad V. Thete ◽  
Ramesh R. Lekurwale

Discrete-Event Simulation (DES) is concerned with system and modeling of that system, where the state of the system is transformed at different discrete points from time to time, and several event occurs from time to time and the changes in state variables will transform then activities/attributes connected to these state variables changes according to the event. It is a robust methodology in the manufacturing industry for strategic, tactical, and operational applications for an organization, and yet organizations ignore to use simulation and do not rely on it. Moreover, companies that are using DES are not using the potential benefits but merely used as a short-hand basis for problems like bottlenecks, optimization, and in later stages of production like PLM, this paper aims to apply and analyze Discrete-Event Simulation through a Manufacturing System. The work describes here is to understand the concept of simulation for a system and to practice Discrete Event methodology


2015 ◽  
pp. 390-410
Author(s):  
Stavros T. Ponis ◽  
Angelos Delis ◽  
Sotiris P. Gayialis ◽  
Panagiotis Kasimatis ◽  
Joseph Tan

This paper highlights the opportunities and challenges of applying Discrete Event Simulation (DES) to support capacity planning of a network of outpatient facilities. Despite an abundance of studies using simulation techniques to examine the operation and performance of outpatient clinics, the problem of capacity allocation and planning of medical services within a network of outpatient healthcare facilities appears to be underexplored. Here, a case study of a health insurance provider that operates a network of six outpatient medical facilities in the US is used to illustrate and explore the synthesizing and adaptive, yet parsimonious nature of using DES methodology for network design and capacity planning. Results of this case study demonstrate that significant performance improvements for the network operator can be achieved with applying DES method to support the network facility capacity planning process.


2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 476-498 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omogbai Oleghe ◽  
Konstantinos Salonitis

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to promote a system dynamics-discrete event simulation (SD-DES) hybrid modelling framework, one that is useful for investigating problems comprising multifaceted elements which interact and evolve over time, such as is found in TPM. Design/methodology/approach The hybrid modelling framework commences with system observation using field notes which culminate in model conceptualization to structure the problem. Thereafter, an SD-DEShybrid model is designed for the system, and simulated to proffer improvement programmes. The hybrid model emphasises the interactions between key constructs relating to the system, feedback structures and process flow concepts that are the hallmarks of many problems in production. The modelling framework is applied to the TPM operations of a bottling plant where sub-optimal TPM performance was affecting throughput performance. Findings Simulation results for the case study show that intangible human factors such as worker motivation do not significantly affect TPM performance. What is most critical is ensuring full compliance to routine and scheduled maintenance tasks and coordinating the latter to align with rate of machine defect creation. Research limitations/implications The framework was developed with completeness, generality and reuse in view. It remains to be applied to a wide variety of TPM and non-TPM-related problems. Practical implications The developed hybrid model is scalable and can fit into an existing discrete event simulation model of a production system. The case study findings indicate where TPM managers should focus their efforts. Originality/value The investigation of TPM using SD-DES hybrid modelling is a novelty.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document