Discrete event simulation and automatic data collection improve performance in a manufacturing system

Data utilization from an automatic collection system helps simulation. DES (discrete-event simulation) is a suitable tool in that respect. Improvements of a manufacturing system by reducing production disturbances in block engine line of a truck manufacturer were shown in a case study. The manufacturing line is equipped with an automatic data gathering system, collecting detailed information from each machine, such as DT (DownTime). The collected data and the simulation model were used in finding bottlenecks in the system. The improvement groups of the company suggested improvements to these machines in collaboration with DES work. An improvement of 12% was achieved in the block line during two years. The long-term improvement work was profitable. Further potential with the method is investigated in a new case study