Project Overview
We introduce a novel approach based on integrating discrete event simulation with heuristic methods to improve manufacturing productivity. These tools have been studied extensively for their effectiveness in increasing production throughput when used separately. However, we combined these techniques to gain further improvement.
This research investigates improvements in three areas:
- facility layout,
- flow shop scheduling, and
- assembly line balancing problems.
We built digital models representing the real-life systems, which are able to test several improvement scenarios virtually without interrupting the production line. This approach can be used as a basis for decision-makers to eliminate the need for costly planning, and to enhance their throughput and line efficiency.
Outcomes
Introduce a novel approach in productivity improvement through building a digital models represent the real-life systems, which are able to teste several improvement scenarios virtually without interrupting the production line.
- Worker transit time reduction and bottleneck removal in an agricultural process.
- Significant makespan reduction in a high mix low volume manufacturing facility.
- Assembly line balancing optimisation for a medium manufacturing facility.
Industry Engagement
Ruba visited B&R Enclosures in November 2022, where she mapped the factory floor for her third use case in her PhD research.
Associated Researchers