Högskolan i Skövde

The project aims to optimize the production line of a company specializing in manufacturing windows for camper vans and similar vehicles. Through a comprehensive analysis of the current production flow, several challenges have been identified, including excessive inventory buildup and high lead times. Utilizing simulation techniques in two different software and Lean Manufacturing principles, the root causes of these challenges have been addressed. Specifically, the transition from a push to a pull production system via FIFO Lane has been proposed to minimize inventory between forming and glueing stages and Lean Manufacturing principles have been used to reduce changeover times and maintain efficiency in the production process. 

Moreover, the project explored material handling equipment options, focusing on conveyors and AGVs. Conveyors, while demanding dedicated space, offer efficient handling of single-unit loads, potentially reducing lead times. On the other hand, AGVs provide flexibility and require less infrastructure, making them suitable for space-constrained environments. 

The simulation results from FACTS Analyzer and Siemens Plant Simulation validated the proposed solutions, showcasing lead time reduction, and inventory management. Overall, this project underscores the effectiveness of simulation and Lean Manufacturing techniques in optimizing production processes and provides valuable insights for future enhancements in industrial operations.