Simulation optimization of part input sequence in a flexible manufacturing system

This paper describes the development of a simulation model for production planning personnel to carry out optimization of part input sequence. The model simulates a flexible manufacturing system for the production of machined components. Using a custom built user interface, the planner imports production and demand data from an Excel spreadsheet into the model. The model optimizes part input sequence by simulating different combinations of part input sequences and determining the combination with the highest total slack time. Simulation conducted by the authors using this model shows that even a short, partial optimization run yields a schedule with improved slack. Presented in the paper are the steps involved in the development of the model and the benefits of the simulation-optimization model to the planner.