An Integrated Tool for the Optimization and Simulation of Hybrid Product-Process Layouts

Part 12: Modular Design and Products and Configuration and Change ManagementInternational audienceThe design of a manufacturing process is a crucial phase for ensuring a profitable production. In particular, an appropriate layout for the facilities must be identified to minimize the impact of transporting manufacturing units throughout the shop-floor on both process performance and production cost. In a former work, a mathematical model capable to define process, product and hybrid layouts has been defined by minimizing the average distance travelled by each manufacturing unit. The present paper aims to present an integrated tool able to: (i) deploy the optimization model to autonomously evaluate the optimal layout proposal that fits with a set of input provided by the designer; (ii) evaluate a set of KPIs to assess the layout; (iii) compile a discrete event simulation model on FlexSim to enable the designer to evaluate layout performance in a multiplicity of operating scenarios