When you have a complex logistic problem
with many variables that cannot be solved analytical or by simple
experimenting, our advice will be to simulate the problem.
At our projects we distinguish four
different types of simulation:
Simulating current state: this will
give you good understanding and quantitative insight into the
problem.
Simulating future state: what-if
scenarios and/or expensive investments can be checked before realization.
Optimization simulation: optimize
current or future state to minimize throughput time, WIP and/or
maximize output, etc.
Customized Application:Application
using simulation model in the background for daily use. Customized
user interface for input / output to enable use by non-experts.
Often also interfaced to order list in ERP software.
Depending on your problem and wishes
one or more of these steps can be part of a simulation project. At
Ergo Design we see simulation not as a goal on its own, but as a tool
to:
Solve your logistic problems; support
your major choices and optimize your process.
Benefits
Simulation helps you realize large
cost savings by utilizing the most important benefits:
Enhance productivity of existing production
facilities by as much as 15-20 percent
Reduce investment in planning new production
facilities up to 20 percent
Cut inventory and throughput time by
20-60 percent
Optimize systems dimensions, including
buffer sizes
Reduce investment risks by early proof
of concept
Maximize use of manufacturing resources
Improve line design and schedule
€6 return on every €1 invested
in simulation
[Fraunhofer Research Organization: Cost Benefit
Ratio 1:6 reported from active users]
