Streamlining utilisation of the assembly line using computer simulation

Abstract

The increase in computer computing power and the development of simulation software make it possible to realise very accurate predictions of the impact of decisions on systems. The cost of investments in streamlining logistics and manufacturing systems is usually high. Therefore, verifying whether the implemented improvement will have a real intended impact on the system is necessary. The use of simulation helps reduce the risk of uncertainty in such projects. The article describes the simulation performed in the software Tecnomatix Plant Simulation 15.2 and their use in its described methodology for simulation study with achieved results. The study was carried out to streamline manual assembly in a company engaged in the production of car seats, namely car rear seats and their manipulation processes. The simulation itself was supposed to answer the question of whether it is possible to produce faster customer line tact and whether it is possible to reduce the number of workers without influencing line performance. The very design of the content and number of simulation experiments was realised in two main aspects. These aspects are whether changing the organisation of the workplace will bring the desired effect and whether the installation of new equipment can improve performance even more. The resulting solution helped reduce the investment uncertainty and estimated that the best two solutions would increase the assembly line performance by 0.94% or 6.89%, respectively.