EQUIPMENT SIZING FOR JUST-IN-TIME MATERIAL DISTRIBUTION IN MANUFACTURING PLANTS—A SIMULATION APPROACH

摘要

Effective managing its own internal logistics flow is crucial for any manufacturer who operates in a quick and lean supply network. This requires the distribution and replenishment of materials to the points of use with time and place utilities. While traditional approaches have emphasized on the handling methods and on the minimization of handling efforts and costs, the aspect of logistics, important as it is, has not been adequately addressed. This study explores this issue with a focus on the sizing of handling resources to meet the design specifications of a material distribution system in a manufacturing plant. Sizing such intralogistics systems involves a treatment of the required levels of details (e. g. number of transporting and unitizing devices), their dynamic behavior and interdependence. Discrete-event simulation is found to be appropriate for such an undertaking.