Computer Simulation in Manufacturing Operations

This research is an investigation into the potential of simulation as a non specialist tool in a real operations management environment: evaluating where it can (and cannot) be used and how best to use it. The 2 year research programme was undertaken within the Teaching Company Scheme, involving collaboration between Polytechnic South West and an industrial partner. This offered an opportunity to address real life situations and four disparate applications of simulation were studied in detail. All four addressed practical problems or decisions and each was selected to meet a need for analysis rather than according to its suitability for simulation. The approaches to simulation varied widely as did the applications, which ranged from the planning of new manufacturing projects to the analysis of organisational structure and problem solving capability. They also ranged from the well-established application to a demonstration of the potential flexibility of the simulation tool. The work proves the value of simulation and its range, from a decision support tool, for rapid prototyping and the use of limited, often "throw-away" models, to the building of more complex, detailed, planning models. A number of guidelines for successful use of simulation were developed, maximising the benefits while minimising the resources needed (time, training and money). In addition, simulation provided some valuable insights into the subjects considered in the model: production planning and problem solving structures in organisations. These are applicable not only to the subject of the study: the industrial partner, but also more generally, in a wide variety of situations.Tecalemit Systems Limite