Simulation and re-engineering of truck assembly line

Simulation is one of tools that has been used widely in several manufacturing areas and organizations as well as in automotive industries. Using a valid simulation model may give several advantages in creating better manufacturing design in order to improve the system performances. This paper presents result of implementing a computer based simulation model to design Manufacturing Process Re-engineering for performances improvement. The basic problem is that the current manufacturing system performances have to be improved to deal with the business environment. Projects objective is to design four improvement alternatives design using valid computer simulation model. Three approaches applied as the foundation in creating improvement alternative of the real system are Line Balancing, Facilities re-layout and process enhancement, and manufacturing process. Simulation models were developed using ARENA version 7.1 while Statfit and Microsoft Excel were used for statistical analysis. The case study was taken from the Job Shop Manufacturing line of Body Welding and Metal Finish operations of truck assembly line. The result derived from simulation model of current system and four proposed simulation models that are based on three approaches are analyzed and presented to be considered as new strategy in improving the truck assembly line

An alternative model for ERP maintenance strategy

For the past few years, it has been possible to buy a business application including transaction processing systems for such tasks as accounting, manufacturing, or human resources as a packaged product. Packages to do this collection of work are generally referred to as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. Most ERP systems are huge because of the diversity of tasks they must perform. The ERP systems are providing an integration of several tasks, and the flexibility to perform those tasks at enterprises with vastly varying needs. But, only few of these ERP systems developed have actually considered maintenance strategies. Maintenance is a complex process that is triggered by planned periodic repair (scheduled or planned maintenance), equipment breakdown or deterioration indicated by a monitored parameter (unplanned or emergency maintenance). This process includes planning, scheduling, monitoring, quality assurance and the development of necessary resources such as workshop, labor, machines, equipment, tools, spare parts and materials