Published on 29 January 2013
Background
- GKN Sankey Engineering Products used a traditional manual approach to plan the layout of a new production line for suspension and chassis components. Verification was required that the layout was optimised
Objective
- Model proposed layout
- Optimise layout for maximum production
Approach
- Gain full understanding of proposal and planning assumptions
- Construct software simulation
- Perform 'what-if?' trials on alternative layouts
- Assess alternatives and rank quantitatively
Benefits
- New, improved layout developed
- Reduced material handling costs equivalent to 10X study cost
- Improved shop floor cell access
Conclusion
- New layout adopted and predicted performance achieved
- Annual material handling cost reduction of 10X simulation cost
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