Improving the material flow of a manufacturing company via lean, simulation and optimization

• Companies are continuously working towards system and process improvement to remain competitive in a global market. There are different methods that support companies in the achievement of that goal. This paper presents an innovative process that combines lean, simulation and optimization to improve the material flow of a manufacturing company. A description of each step of the process details the lean tools and principles taken into account, as well as the results achieved by the application of simulation and optimization. The project resulted in an improved layout and material flow that employs an automated guided vehicle. In addition, lean wastes related to transport, inventory levels as well as waiting times were reduced. The utilization of the process that combines lean, simulation and optimization was considered valuable for the success of the project. 

Subject headings

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Maskinteknik -- Produktionsteknik, arbetsvetenskap och ergonomi (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Mechanical Engineering -- Production Engineering, Human Work Science and Ergonomics (hsv//eng)

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Elektroteknik och elektronik -- Annan elektroteknik och elektronik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Information Engineering -- Other Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Information Engineering (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Application study

lean

manufacturing

optimization

simulation

simulation-based optimization

Automatic guided vehicles

International trade

Manufacture

Application studies

Automated guided vehicles

Manufacturing companies

Process Improvement

Simulation and optimization

Simulation-based optimizations

Lean production

Production and Automation Engineering

INF201 Virtual Production Development

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

kon (subject category)