A simulation-based approach for optimization of production logistics with consideration to production layout : Research Proposal

Manufacturing sectors in Sweden have a long tradition and represent a significant share of the national gross domestic product and the export values. Most of the Swedish manufacturing companies have gone through a modernization and adaptation process in order to be able to compete on a globalized market. Many plants, however, still have non-optimized shop floors as a consequence of adaptations over time without redesigning its production and logistics flows and with a lack of an overall strategy. To support the optimization of shop floors, this project suggests the combined use of Discrete-Event Simulation (DES) and Simulation-Based Multi-objective Optimization (SBO) under the umbrella of a design and creation research strategy. The aim of the project is to support the improvement and optimization of high product mix and a low-volume of customized products manufacturing systems by considering production and logistics flows along with the shop floor layout. The methodology is intended to contribute to significantly increase the productivity and efficiency of the Swedish manufacturing industry and help companies to survive on the globalized market. The potential results can serve for decision makers and stakeholders to apply changes and adaptations in the system considering the mid and long term goals of the company. Going through different case studies implemented in a middle-size water pumps manufacturer, this methodology will be useful in practice and it will provide a decision support system for this specific industrial partner and will serve as a guideline for other manufacturing companies.Research proposal, PhD programme, University of Skövde