Lean manufacturing system design based on computer simulation: Case study for manufacturing of automotive engine control units

Abstract

This chapter outlines the possibilities afforded by computer simulation for the design of a lean manufacturing system. The possibilities of making use of simulation are presented in the form of the case simulation study that was performed within the framework of cooperative ventures between the workplace and an industrial partner. A production line in the Continental Automotive Systems Czech Republic company was developed with the use of the Witness simulation environment in order to maximize production efficiency as well as to eliminate waste and production losses already in the system design phase. The main task was to build up a model of the prepared lean manufacture system and, especially, to propose a number of variants for the spatial location of operators in a production line. On the basis of the predefined requirements of the user, several simulation experiments are suggested. © 2014, IGI Global. All rights reserved.