Simulation as a Tool for Process Optimization in a Manufacturing Company

Abstract

Research background: In today’s global world and many major market players, companies are forced to streamline and optimize their processes. They can use many methods for this purpose. One of the modern and innovative methods is process simulation. Simulation is experimenting with a computer model of a real production system in order to optimize the production process. Purpose of the article: The purpose of this article is to point out how it is possible to optimize processes in a manufacturing plant using a simulation tool. Methods: The main methods used were mainly method of analysis and simulation software Tecnomatix Plant Simulation, version 15.0.5 from Siemens company. The authors used the method of analysis both in the processing of the theoretical basis of the problem, as well as in the analysis of processes in the manufacturing company. This analysis provided important information inputs for creating a simulation model that reflects the current state of material flows in the company. Findings & Value added: The results were obtained based on performed experiments with the created initial model of the current state of material flows. These experiments were performed using a tool of genetic algorithms that are part of the simulation software. The parameter that was assessed in the individual experiments was the production time of the entire production plan. Based on the process simulation, it was possible to reduce this time, which increased the production efficiency and throughput of material flows in the production plant.