Bernard J. Schroer

An expert manufacturing simulation system

An expert simulation system for an electronics manufacturing plant has been developed with emphasis on the natural language interface. This includes the transformer and the understander, the simulation writer, the simulation analyzer, and the simula tion language.

Simulation as a tool for continuous process improvement

Simulation offers a powerful tool to support the continuous improvement process. This paper presents a description of the tools of lean manufacturing, the steps in the continuous improvement process and two case studies where simulation was used in the continuous improvement.

Just-In-Time (JIT), with Kanban, manufacturing system simulation on a microcomputer

A simulation model of a Just-In-Time (JIT) manufacturing system using a two-card and a one-card Kanban inventory control system has been developed using the SIMAN simulation language on the IBM microcomputer. The manufacturing system consists of an assembly line with two assembly cells, one manufacturing cell, and one incoming receiving cell.

Simulation as a Tool in Understanding the Concepts of Lean Manufacturing

This paper presents the use of discrete event simulation to understand the concepts of lean manufacturing, including line balancing against Takt time, pull versus push manufacturing, Kanban inventory control, and process variability reduction. Several simulation models were used to evaluate the impact of these lean concepts on production, work in process, and station/operator utilization.

Simulation of an apparel assembly cell with walking workers and decouplers

Abstract In the apparel industry, cells for manufacturing and assembly are called modules. A simulation model has been developed to study the behavior of a unique module that employed five multifunctional, walking workers and 13 sewing stations with great variations in processing times. Cells are the major components in integrated pull manufacturing systems (IPMSs). IPMSs are the designs for the factories with a future.

Modelling complex manufacturing systems using discrete event simulation

Abstract This paper presents an approach in simulating complex manufacturing systems. The approach is founded on developing several general purpose simulation generators for an assembly station, a manufacturing cell, and an inventory transfer function. These simulation generators can then be linked together to create a model of a complex manufacturing system. A typical manufacturing system is modelled using these simulation generators and the results summarized.

A Simulation Assistant for Modeling Manufacturing Systems

This paper presents a structured approach to modeling manufac turing systems. The structured approach is accomplished through a simulation assistant consisting of a set of predefined GPSS simulation macros, a user interface, and an automatic code generator.

Using simulation to schedule manufacturing resources

This paper discusses a real-world application of simulation to schedule operator and machine resources in a floor tile manufacturing plant. The paper discusses attempts at using a spread sheet, a simulator, and finally ProModel in the scheduling process.

The effects of automobile inspections on accident rates

To determine whether diagnostic inspections reduce assidents, this paper compares the accident rates of vehicles which participated in the Alabama Motor Vehicle Diagnostic Inspection Demonstration Program with vehicles which did not actively participate. In Huntsville the accident rate of inspected vehicles represents an improvement of 9.1% over the rate for uninspected vehicles. Furthermore, the accident rate of inspected vehicles decreased 5.3% after inspection. Whereas the monthly accident rate of the responsive participant who returned for subsequent periodic inspections did not significantly increase in eighteen months, the monthly accident rate of unresponsive participants increased to the level of uninspected vehicles. Vehicles involved in accidents were in significantly worse mechanical condition on the average than those not involved in accidents. The data suggests that poor mechanical condition is a significant factor in motor vehicle accidents and that annual inspections are a desirable means of reducing accident rates.

Simulation and undergraduate engineering education: the technology reinvestment project(TRP)

This paper discusses an undergraduate engineering education program recently funded by the advanced research projects office (ARPA) technology reinvestment project (TRP) to add more hands-on experience for undergraduate engineering students.