Increase the Total Output when Disturbances are Reduced in a Manufacturing System

Although reduction of disturbances may result in productivity increase, some of the presumed gain may be diverted to other disturbances. There is a need to develop methods that provide a better understanding of the causes and actions of disturbances in manufacturing systems. Discrete-event simulation is used to analyze the effects of reduced disturbances. Two case studies from manufacturing companies in Sweden were carried out. The investigation shows that the best ways to decrease disturbances are to eliminate those resulting from long waiting times. It is suggested that the new allocation of disturbances be thoroughly investigated before efforts are taken to eliminate disturbances and increase total output