Performance evaluation of adaptive cellular manufacturing system using simulation

In mid-volume, mid-variety production cellular manufacturing systems have many advantages compared to systems using process layout. But their performance superiority is found to diminish when the demand becomes unstable. Adaptive cellular systems are designed, especially for dynamic demands. Here, the performance of an adaptive cellular system is compared to that of a system using process layout, using simulation, when they execute production in a multi-period dynamic demand environment. It is found that the adaptive design perform comparatively better than process layout in terms of reduced work-in-process inventory and manufacturing lead time. The managing of semi-finished parts at the end of a period, and the effort of relocation of machines after every period are the disadvantages of adaptive cellular systems.