APPLICATION OF MODELING AND SIMULATION IN A MANUFACTURING SYSTEM

The aim ofthis project is to develop a simulation model of an air conditioners
manufacturing system with a discrete event simulation tool. The model would be
utilized as a decision support system for the investigation of improving the process by
implementing several options like cost cutting and simplifying operation. This report
discusses steps in the development of a simulation model for a manufacturing system
using the DES tool, ARENA. A modeling procedure for the development of
manufacturing simulation model is presented. The current manufacturing system
model is developed to ascertain its limitations and problems to achievethe production
target. The steps include data gathering, model building, verification and validation.
Several experiments were conducted to recognize parameters useful in the
interpretation of the simulation data like the warm up period, run length and number
of repetition. The results show that the manufacturing system was improved by 40%
by speeding up parts delivery to the system, whilst the waiting time andqueue at each
station can be improved by proper line balancing. The findings demonstrates the
ability if the approach to provide potential solution to the decision maker.