Computer aided simulation is emerging as a powerful tool for numerical analysis and in conducting performance evaluations of complex systems that depend on a multitude of variables. The primary objective in such simulation studies is to gauge the performance of the system under a various constraints and operating conditions. The effects of changing the operating parameter space can thus be analyzed without having to implement costly changes. Simulations are also carried out for the baseline scenarios to verity and validate the basic underlying system model. In this thesis research, two practical problems were studied through numerical modeling, and optimized solutions obtained for both. Optimizing the pick-up and delivery routes using a commercial software tool was the first task. Optimization of a production assembly line using a discrete event simulation tool was the second project that was carried out. The primary objective for the first task was to explore various routing scenarios and determine delivery routes that would minimize the total network mileage, while maintaining the pick-up time slots requested by the clients. A related task was to evaluate the possible advantages of centralizing all routing activity from a single site, instead of the two-hub scenario currently in effect. A total of eight different scenarios were studied as part of this effort. The second task involved optimization of the throughput of a fuel injector plant by placing buffers within the assembly lines for increased productivity
