SIMULATION MODELLING OF BOTH AUTOMATED AND HUMAN-BASED MANUFACTURING AND ASSEMBLY LINE

Giorgio Mossa, Giovanni Mummolo

Dep. of Mechanical and Management Engineering

Polytechnic of Bari

Viale Japigia, 182 - 70126 BariItaly

gmossa@dimeg.poliba.it

KEY-WORDS

Stochastic simulation modelling, Human-based operations, Automotive industry.

Abstract

The authors provide a simulation study concerning the production line of a innovative high pressure diesel-injection pump. The manufacturing system consists of both high automated and manual work stations. Operation time as well as system maintenance time are random variables. Field data on both automated and manual operations as well as on failure<and repair times are collected.

A stochastic discrete event simulation model allows estimating the effects of stochastic variability of random variables on system performance. The model allows identifying bottlenecks and criticalities.

Four main scenarios are investigated. The first one concerns the evaluation of performance and criticalities of the production system as designed and actually managed. The second one relates to the increasing in the transfer line availability by adopting a preventive maintenance policy. The third scenario focuses on the final product assembly; benefits due to the increase in the human resources are evaluated. The synergic effect of both the abovementioned technical solutions are also investigated in the last scenario. Each scenario has been tested under different production rate.

Results obtained outline the effectiveness of technical solutions investigated.

 
Biography

Giorgio Mossa – PhD. Assistant Professor of Industrial Engineering at the Polytechnic of Bari. Fields of research concern with simulation modelling and environmental management systems in manufacturing.

Giovanni Mummolo - Full Professor of Industrial Engineering at the Polytechnic of Bari. Main research activities deal with production planning and control and human performance in manufacturing systems.