Simulering, ett alternativ inom produktionsplanering?
Typically, when Faurecia in Torsås are planning a new assembly line, one of the steps is to build a full-scale model of the line in card board, a form of mock-up planning. Faurecia has shown interest in finding an alternative methodology. The purpose was to explore the possibility of replacing today's cardboard based mock-up planning with models in a digital simulation environment.The purpose of the thesis has been to answer some of these complex questions; What are the benefits of using a simulation tool? In what way can we use it? If we choose to use a simulation tool, in what way does it affect our way of planning an assembly line? What are the advantages and disadvantages? Are there any economical and social aspects?Our results made us realize that a digital simulation tool does not replace the card board. On the other hand simulation could be used as a complement. Card board exercises and simulations play two different roles in the development of an assembly line. The use of card board is an excellent example of how you can generate a wide range of creative solutions at an early stage of the design process. This offers the possibility to create and evaluate several different concepts during a short period of time.We believe that the benefits of a simulation tool come in handy at a later stage of the design process, when a conceptual solution is selected. The simulation tool will be able to evaluate the solution and identify where problems may occur. The output of the simulation tool may also be used as a communication tool, internally as well as externally.