scholarly journals Case study: evaluation of the automation of material handling with mobile robots

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriana F. Melo ◽  
Lindsay M. Corneal
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Robots ◽  
Material Flow ◽  
Material Handling ◽  
Discrete Event ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Event Simulation ◽  
Current State ◽  
Study Evaluation ◽  
Automotive Parts

Abstract The automation of material handling is one of the solutions that many companies are relying on to reach their goals related to productivity increment, floor space optimization, higher standards for factory’s safety, and allocation of workers to value-added activities. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the current state of the material flow of finished goods for an automotive parts supplier plant and the technology available on the market to verify if it was worthwhile to invest in material handling automation. The analysis included the use of discrete event simulation to evaluate the different layout approaches combined with the mobile robots’ performance. It was proven that the tandem layout was the most beneficial approach to the analyzed plant’s reality with a minimal of three robots. Improvements to the material flow and automation of the labeling process were also proposed based on the study.

scholarly journals Scheduling and Control of Parts in FMS industry

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2.24) ◽  
pp. 214 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Yedukondalu ◽  
Mayur. Thakare ◽  
V Anvesh ◽  
R Hokesh Reddy ◽  
Akin Cheetri
Keyword(s):  
Flexible Manufacturing ◽  
Material Handling ◽  
Discrete Event ◽  
Simulation Method ◽  
Event Simulation ◽  
Automatic Guided Vehicles ◽  
Work In Process ◽  
And Control ◽  
First In First Out

This paper introduces scheduling of parts in Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) environment by means of discrete-event simulation method. Modeling of FMS layout with 3 distinct part type, route and interval for each part is developed using Arena simulation. The ranking criterion is considered only for First-in-first-out (FIFO). Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGV) is used as a Material Handling System (MTH). In this paper a case study has been presented for effective utilization of machines and AGV in given FMS. Based on processing time for variety of parts according to their route priority the jobs are scheduled. The scheduling of the considered layout are evaluated and compared to 6 output measures which are avg. work in process (WIP), avg. queue time, avg. number of parts waiting, resource seized, machine instantaneous utilization and scheduled utilization for different replication length. The simulation outcomes are discussed in detail and conclusion has been drawn for various mentioned output measures. 

Improving Casthouse Throughput Using Discrete-Event Modelling

2011 ◽  
Vol 693 ◽  
pp. 3-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruce Gunn ◽  
Yakov Frayman
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity Analysis ◽  
Discrete Event ◽  
Casting Machine ◽  
Production Data ◽  
Model Output ◽  
Arrival Times ◽  
Event Simulation ◽  
Modelling System ◽  
Key Parameter

The scheduling of metal to different casters in a casthouse is a complicated problem, attempting to find the balance between pot-line, crucible carrier, furnace and casting machine capacity. In this paper, a description will be given of a casthouse modelling system designed to test different scenarios for casthouse design and operation. Using discrete-event simulation, the casthouse model incorporates variable arrival times of metal carriers, crucible movements, caster operation and furnace conditions. Each part of the system is individually modelled and synchronised using a series of signals or semaphores. In addition, an easy to operate user interface allows for the modification of key parameters, and analysis of model output. Results from the model will be presented for a case study, which highlights the effect different parameters have on overall casthouse performance. The case study uses past production data from a casthouse to validate the model outputs, with the aim to perform a sensitivity analysis on the overall system. Along with metal preparation times and caster strip-down/setup, the temperature evolution within the furnaces is one key parameter in determining casthouse performance.

scholarly journals The Integration of Human Factors into Discrete Event Simulation and Technology Acceptance in Engineering Design

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petrit Dode
Keyword(s):  
Human Factors ◽  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Discrete Event Simulation ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Discrete Event ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Learning Curves ◽  
Event Simulation ◽  
Initial Cost ◽  
Human Factors Modeling

This action research thesis aimed to: 1) develop and test a viable Discrete Event Simulation and Human Factors Modeling approach for an Ontario based telecommunication company, and 2) identify the factors that affect the uptake and application of the approach in work system design. This approach, which was validated at the Company, incorporated fatigue dose and learning curves in a Discrete Event Simulation model. The barriers to uptake included: Time constraints, lack of technological knowledge and initial cost. The uptake facilitators were: High frequency products produced, clear value added to leadership, defects reduction and the Company being open to new technology. In addition to helping design a manual assembly line with fewer bottlenecks and reduce the human factors risks for the employee, the developed approach showed a 26% correlation with quality defects. Further research is recommended to identify additional human factors and their benefits.

Relocation and Storage Assignment Strategies Evaluation in a Multiple-deep Tier-captive Automated Vehicles Storage and Retrieval System with Undetermined Retrieval Sequence

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jakob Marolt ◽  
Nenad Kosanić ◽  
Tone Lerher
Keyword(s):  
Retrieval System ◽  
Discrete Event ◽  
Nearest Neighbour ◽  
Throughput Performance ◽  
Storage And Retrieval ◽  
Event Simulation ◽  
Retrieval Systems ◽  
Storage Assignment ◽  
And Storage

Abstract This paper studies multiple-deep automated vehicle storage and retrieval systems (AVS/RS) known for their high throughput performance and flexibility. Compared to a single-deep system, multiple-deep AVS/RS has a better space area utilisation. However, a relocation cycle occurs, reducing the throughput performance whenever another stock-keeping unit (SKU) blocks a retrieving SKU. The SKU retrieval sequence is undetermined, meaning that the arrangement is unknown, and all SKUs have an equal probability of retrieval. In addition to the shuttle carrier, a satellite vehicle is attached to the shuttle carrier and is used to access storage locations in multiple depths. A discrete event simulation of multiple-deep AVS/RS with a tier captive shuttle carrier was developed. We focused on the dual command cycle time assessment of nine different storage and relocation assignment strategies combinations in the simulation model. The results of a simulation study for (i) Random, (ii) Depth-first and (iii) Nearest neighbour storage and relocation assignment strategies combinations are examined and benchmarked for five different AVS/RS case study configurations with the same number of storage locations. The results display that the fivefold and sixfold deep AVS/RS outperform systems with fewer depths by utilising Depth-first storage and Nearest neighbour relocation assignment strategies.

Applying Discrete Event Simulation (DES) in Healthcare

2015 ◽  
pp. 390-410
Author(s):  
Stavros T. Ponis ◽  
Angelos Delis ◽  
Sotiris P. Gayialis ◽  
Panagiotis Kasimatis ◽  
Joseph Tan
Keyword(s):  
Discrete Event Simulation ◽  
Capacity Planning ◽  
Planning Process ◽  
Discrete Event ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Performance Improvements ◽  
Event Simulation ◽  
Health Insurance Provider ◽  
And Performance

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.

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