Simulation Analysis for in-Line Sorting-and-Washing of Reusable Pallets: A Case Study

In this study, a system constituting an integral part of a continuous sequence of operations or machines in a line is presented as a form of "in-line" system. Due to the sequential nature of the production line, the throughput rate of the line depends on the slowest process. This paper presents one example of an in-line system that is used for pallet re-use by sorting, washing, and drying in a continuous processing line. Basically, a well-structured in-line system provides high throughput because of the non-stop flow of materials in the system. However, there is a hidden loss in the system efficiency. The object of this paper is to evaluate some of the possible alternatives to solve these hidden inefficiency problems and to improve throughputs through simulated models. The three outcomes from this simulation indicate that exchanging the robotic arm with a sorter and adding additional spin-drying machines could reduce overhead costs and the average waiting time for the spin-drying machine and improve the utilization of the resources in the washing process