Discrete-event simulation is an effective tool to evaluate manufacturing systems and support the development of improvement plans. However, the use of simulation alone to optimize all forms of inventory in addition to throughput can result in a highly complicated, cumbersome model. In order to effectively analyze the contributing factors easier, a combined methodology that concurrently applies mathematical equations and discrete-event simulation is developed. The approach permits inventory within the system to be an additional parameter of improvement since its evaluation can be conducted with a greater level of accuracy. A cost per piece breakdown formed the basis of the objective function, where improvements were analyzed through discrete-event simulation in the attempt to achieve a minimized unit cost.
A Combined Analytical and Simulation-Based Approach to WIP Improvement
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