Simulation-based optimization of the polca ordering system

Abstract

Given an increase in consumer demand for product quality, companies need to continually improve their means of production. The use of computational resources assists companies to choose an ordering system that best suits their reality. In this sense, the present study aims to analyze and compare the performance of the Paired-cell Overlapping Loops of Cards with Authorization (POLCA) system, according to pre-established parameters in a real automobile company case, which has a flow-shop production environment. In order to do this, the research has a hypothetical-deductive scientific explanation. Also, the quantitative approach, and the experimental research procedure were employed due to the use of simulation and optimization. The computer simulation was performed using ProModel®. The initial model was optimized, and the results of the two elaborated scenarios were compared. It was verified that the optimized scenario showed improvement in the average total output of the system. The simulation of the optimized model presented an increase in production of approximately 95.29% when compared to the initial scenario. Nevertheless, trade-offs were verified. It is noticeable in the scenario analyzed that to increase the production of axles, the use of intermediate stocks must be increased. Finally, the present research contributes to the academic community since it proposed the study of an ordering system that has a limited number of studies, mainly in Brazil. It also contributes to the business community by encouraging the use of simulation in companies so that a better performance analysis of ordering systems can be performed prior to actual deployment.