Flexible automation and the loss of pooling synergy

This paper focuses on the effects of flexible automation on the performance of a job shop. Flexible automated machines may significantly improve the delivery performance and the flow time of jobs. The insertion of a flexible automated system in a job shop, however, also has a counter effect on the manufacturing performance. This is caused by the reduction of pooling synergy due to the dedication implied by flexible automated machines. This paper investigates by means of a simulation study to what extent the loss of pooling synergy will deteriorate job shop performance. Simulation is also used to indicate the level of efficiency of the automated machinery needed to overcome the negative effect of the loss of pooling synergy. The simulation study also highlights the importance of appropriate off-line assignment rules, which assign jobs to either the conventional or automated machines. Major conclusion of this paper is that the ‘pooling loss effect’ should be taken into account in the design and justification of new flexible automated machinery. The design of appropriate offline assignment rules, furthermore, has to be seen as an integral part of investment in new technology.

Evaluation and Redesign of Potting Shed for the Non-Profit Organization, Growing Grounds Farms

Growing Grounds, a local nonprofit organization, operates as a fully functioning nursery in San Luis Obispo. Their planting facility is outdated and the process is inefficient. They have new funding available and need to determine if they should automate certain processes or improve existing methods. This report details the current process and presents two possible ergonomic solutions and the accompanying layouts and improvements. An analysis is conducted to determine which new layout is recommended for Growing Grounds based on their current production and revenue, and future recommendations are given

A methodology for controlling the consequences of demand variability in the design of manufacturing systems

Today's unprecedented demand changes flood the global market. Staying competitive is now a matter of responding quickly and cost-effectively to variability. To address this paradigm, flexibility is a key aspect to tackle. Studies show that integrating flexibility in design of systems increases their performance by 25%, yet application procedures are still not very well established. This dissertation proposes a solution methodology for this problem. Aiming control of demand variability consequences, an integrated approach of optimization, screening, and simulation modelling has been developed. Applied to a case study in the furniture manufacturing industry, the methodology highlighted numerous opportunities of improvement in the manufacturing site. Indeed, by applying a flexible design, the overall performance goals were reached and a plan of action was initiated.The results support the proposed methodology as a viable solution for the problem addressed, nevertheless future success involves more than the pure application of this procedure, as flexibility is also a way of thinking