Hybrid approach of discrete event simulation integrated with location search algorithm in a cells assignment problem: a case study

[EN] This paper presents a case study describing a cell assignment problem in an assembly facility. These cells receive parts from external suppliers, and sort and sequence these parts to feed the final assembly line. Therefore, to each cell are associated important inbound and outbound flows generating hundreds of material handling equipment movements along the facility, impacting the traffic density and causing eventually safety issues in the plant. Following an important plant redesign, cells have been relocated, and the plant managers need to decide how to manage the new logistic flows. To that aim, a hybrid approach encompassing mathematical optimization and discrete event simulation (DES) is proposed. This approach allows us to reduce complexity by decomposing the design into two phases. The first phase deals with the problem of generating cell¿s assignment alternatives by using a heuristic method to find good quality solutions. Then, a DES software is used to dynamically evaluate the performance of the solutions with respect to operational features such as traffic congestion and intensity. This second phase provides interesting managerial insights on the manufacturing system from both quantitative and qualitative aspects related to in-plant safety and traffic.Saez-Mas, A.; García Sabater, JJ.; García Sabater, JP.; Maheut, J. (2020). Hybrid approach of discrete event simulation integrated with location search algorithm in a cells assignment problem: a case study. Central European Journal of Operations Research. 28(1):125-142. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10100-018-0548-5S125142281Anjos MF, Vieira MVC (2017) Mathematical optimization approaches for facility layout problems: the state-of-the-art and future research directions. Eur J Oper Res 261(1):1–16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2017.01.049Battini D, Boysen N, Emde S (2013) Just-in-time supermarkets for part supply in the automobile industry. 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Using 4-layer architecture to simulate product and information flows in manufacturing systems

[EN] This work illustrates the application of novel simulation architecture with two case studies where the proposed architecture, the so-called 4-layer, allowed us to address the complexity of the analysed systems. The fundamental objective of this work is to show the structure of layers, how layers interact with one another and with the user, and what benefits this separation proposes. The first case study deals with moving car bodies from the paint plant to the assembly line through a sequencing system that involves distributed decision-making processes in an ASRS. The second case study focuses on analysing a layout of a section used to assemble the engine and transmission set, where the quality of the material flow is evaluated. The work highlights some of the advantages of modelling with 4-layer architecture, and explains the key processes that connect different elementsSaez-Mas, A.; García Sabater, JP.; Morant -Llorca, J. (2018). Using 4-layer architecture to simulate product and information flows in manufacturing systems. International Journal of Simulation Modelling. 17(1):30-41. https://doi.org/10.2507/IJSIMM17(1)408S304117

Hybrid approach of discrete event simulation integrated with location search algorithm in a cells assignment problem: a case study

Hybrid approach of discrete event simulation integrated with location search algorithm in a cells assignment problem: a case stud

Hybrid approach of discrete event simulation integrated with location search algorithm in a cells assignment problem: a case study

Hybrid approach of discrete event simulation integrated with location search algorithm in a cells assignment problem: a case stud

Redesigning the in-plant supply logistics: A case study

[EN] This paper addresses the redesign of an industrial assembly facility's internal logistics. To this end, it proposes a mathematical formulation that optimizes the components and parts' flow to feed the different workstations of the production lines. This flow of components starts at the reception docks where suppliers' trucks arrive. Components unloaded from trucks are moved to one or several storage areas by means of adequate handling equipment. Finally, components are transported to demand point located along the assembly line when required. Numerical results produced by the mathematical formulation for the studied plant show that savings of almost 33% in the total distribution time might be achieved by a better assignment of suppliers to reception docks and parts to storage areas, and by adequately choosing the capacity of the material handling equipment.The work described in this paper has been partially supported by the project "Hiperheuristico Lenitivo de la Variabilidad del Entorno Industrial en la Programacion de Produccion del Lote Econonimo GVA/2017/008" by the Conselleria de Educacion, Investigacion, Cultura y Deporte of the Generalitat Valenciana within the Program "Proyectos de I+D+I para grupos de investigacion emergentes". We would like to thank the two anonymous reviewers and the editor for their valuable comments and suggestions.Saez-Mas, A.; García Sabater, JP.; García Sabater, JJ.; Ruiz, A. (2020). Redesigning the in-plant supply logistics: A case study. 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