Optimization of In-Plant Logistics Flow Using Discrete-Event Simulation
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Master's Thesis
Master's Thesis
Program
Production engineering (MPPEN), MSc
Publicerad
2024
Författare
Brasch, Johan
Nilsson, Oscar
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
The truck industry is undergoing a significant transition, that only will expand in the upcoming years. Greater demands for sustainability and customer demands will force manufacturers to provide a wider range of products. The introduction of electric-powered and gas-powered trucks will increase the complexity and the number of different parts. The Volvo Trucks manufacturing plant in Tuve, Gothenburg, manufactures all variants on a single line. The logistics system at Tuve will face considerable challenges in the upcoming years to handle an increase in part variety. In this thesis is a Discrete-Event Simulation (DES) model built to analyze and optimize the in-plant logistics system at Volvo. The DES model is used to evaluate the effectiveness of the introduction of a demand-driven pull system as well as optimizing the system in terms of required resources. The positioning of significant locations is compared to each other to limit waste in the system. The DES model will also be utilized to investigate how well the system handles an increase in part variety and predict where investments in capacity are required. The study showed that the biggest gains in the logistics system are achieved by reducing the required transportation distance. A centrally placed goods-receiving station and empty pallet station reduced the required resources by 40%. A demand driven pull system created a more even flow throughout the system and reduced the inventory variance at local warehouses. The proposed system is also more capable of handling a future increase in both part variety and part volume while reducing waste.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
Simulation , Discrete-event simulation , DES , logistics , in-plant logistics system