Modeling and Analysis of Weaving-preparation Systems with Respect to Small-lot Manufacturing Part II: Analysis of Candidate Systems

Abstract

In Part I of this work, a framework for the design of efficient small-lot weaving-preparation systems was presented. The design objective was to specify the lowest-cost system that will meet the desired production goals for a given product mix. A key element of this framework is the analysis engine, which evaluates the performance of candidate systems in the light of production targets and generates information about the direction in which to evolve the design. In this work, it is shown that simulation methodologies and sensitivity analysis can be used to perform the analysis-engine function. Two candidate systems representing possible points in the over-ail design space are evaluated to determine if one has an advantage in producing small lots. In addition, information gained from the analysis procedures can be used to point to further improvements in system performance for a relatively small increase in capital expenditure.