Performance comparison of process and adaptive cellular layouts using simulation

Abstract

Group technology and cellular manufacturing have renovated the method of manufacturing of mid-volume, mid-variety products. Many researchers have compared the performances of cellular manufacturing systems with those systems using process layouts. Such studies have brought out the merits and de-merits of both the systems and have helped in determining the suitable system for a given demand environment. They also give valuable information about the effect of factors like batch size, setup time, demand fluctuations, etc., on the performance of a manufacturing system and help in organising a selected system for better results. Previous studies suggest that the advantages of cellular manufacturing systems diminish in unstable demand. But the performance of adaptive cellular designs, which are suitable for dynamic demands, has not been tested. The best way to analyse the performance of manufacturing systems is by using simulation. This study compares, using simulation, the performance of an adaptive cellular l...