Efficient production logistics through simulation: optimising process design
Logistics plays a decisive role in today’s production. In-house transport, warehousing and service processes are key elements that contribute significantly to efficiency and competitiveness. But how can these processes be optimised? The answer lies in simulation.
1. Optimising internal transport
The internal material flow includes:
- Supply of the production line: Transport of materials to production.
- Transport of products: Movement of semi-finished or finished products between production areas and to the shipping area.
Various means of transport are used for these tasks, such as forklift trucks, tugger trains or automated guided vehicles (FTS/AGV).
Objectives of the simulation:
- Optimal routing and balanced transport loads.
- Efficient use of transport resources.
- Determining suitable conveyor belt stocks for decoupling.
By using a simulation model, different alternatives can be compared with each other to find the most efficient solution.
2. Clever storage planning:
The storage of purchased parts, semi-finished products and finished products is another focus.
- Simulation results can be used to determine the required storage capacity and storage/retrieval performance.
- compare technical storage solutions such as high-bay warehouses or shuttle systems.
- examine various storage strategies, e.g. distribution by part type or rotation speed.
The results show how different warehouse concepts affect inventories and transport routes.
3. Designing service processes efficiently
Service processes such as repacking, picking or packaging can be planned precisely using simulation. A particular focus is on picking.
Possible optimisations through simulation:
- Analysis of the arrangement of parts in supermarkets.
- Bundling of picking orders.
- Resource planning for maximum throughput.
Conclusion:
By simulating your production logistics, you create a solid basis for efficient processes, reduced costs and maximum delivery reliability.
Please feel free to contact us to discuss your application.
