Abstract
M.Ing.
The purpose of this research investigation is to develop and simulate a current
manufacturing production line, for a company by the name of Aerosud, using a 3-
dimensional software tool called Delmia Quest ®. The company in question is a
mechanical and aeronautical manufacturing organisation that supplies components to
both the civil and military sectors to a variety of global points.
The aim of this investigation was to develop a simulation model that, initially, mapped
the actual workings of the real production line with the use of actual time data recorded
through measurement. Secondly, various observations were made to discover how much
work-in-progress (WIP) remains idle during the manufacturing procedure and how much
productivity is reached after a standard production week of forty-five hours. Hence, the
aim of the simulation model is to improve those two factors by increasing the
productivity of the entire production line and reduce the amount of WIP idle to a
minimum.
To achieve this, the author created a baseline model for both the throughput time and the
WIP at each cell of production. The results of these curves were obtained using actual
statistical time data obtained during the observation period. These results were then
plotted onto individual axis to visually identify the outputs.
Next, the author analysed the baseline model, within the 3D virtual world of the software,
to witness where possible errors exist in terms of throughput time and the amount of WIP
idle at various stations of production. It was clearly identified that the cell with the most
production problems, was assembly. The author thus identified possible methods of
reducing these problems and simulated those actions. The results showed various
improvements in the amount of throughput time gained as well as a significant reduction
to the amount of WIP idle at that particular cell.
The simulations were thus mapped onto the same axis as the baseline model, in terms of
throughput time and WIP respectively. This provides visual identification to the outcome
of such simulations so that the reader can identify clarity in the results. A basic
comparison of each simulation was described with reference to the baseline curve in
order to clarify what the results had shown.
Finally, the investigation was concluded highlighting that the baseline model created was
a good start to analysing the company’s production line; however, as further research, it
was recommended that various types of improvements can still be made to this model in
order to improve its realism when compared to the real production line.