FROM SIMULATION TO REAL-TIME TRACKING AND OPTIMIZATION - Simulation software can be an effective tool to analyze and optimize process based operations. This abstract details the implementation of a warehouse simulation using the Simcad Pro dynamic simulation...

With the current state of today's economy, industry professionals throughout the nation are looking for process improvement methods to lower cost and increase efficiency; while achieving sustainable, competitive edge. With many challenges surrounding the validation of a proposed solution, process optimization often evades the best of us.

With rising costs in manufacturing, it is important to make every effort to reduce bottlenecks, improve efficiency and utilize resources fully. Simcad Pro is a sophisticated dynamic simulation engine that can be utilized to improve the overall efficiency of an assembly line. Users of Simcad Pro have experienced increased efficiency, effectiveness and accuracy within their assembly lines, meaning increased profits. Additionally, staff allocation and shifts can be better forecast and analyzed, reducing the overall cost of the operation while increasing utilization of available resources.

ABSTRACT:

The Eaton Cutler-Hammer facility has two separate areas of assembly. Eleven production lines compose the Load Center Assembly Area while 17 production lines compose the Metering/Meter Breaker/ACD Assembly Area. Currently, 11 fork trucks are used in the facility to bring parts from receiving to storage where they can be picked up when needed by the assembly lines. Fork trucks also take packaged goods from finished assembly to shipping. Fork truck drivers are often dedicated to one or two assembly lines in an attempt to meet their every need and to ensure that the assembly process does not incur downtime.