Simulation support of lean layout considerations for new products: a case from large scale products

Planning a new production line for a product presents many opportunities to build best practice techniques into the new system. Set against the unknown quantities may be certain requirements for the production system to be lean, to have the flexibility to respond to market changes or make use of existing equipment of factory space. The unknown quantities can include: anticipated demand volumes, assembly and processing sequences, the specific production processes, lead-times of parts and components and even late changes to the product design after manufacturing/production decisions have been made. Simulations of a production system can be used to consider different scenarios and compare how well alternative approaches meet the defined requirements. [Continues.]