This section of the Help Menu describes how to model and optimize flows within a production system using an analytical queueing network model. The user will also learn which information is required to build such a model and where to collect it from. Additionally, the user will learn how to verify and validate the accuracy of a model.
| Data | Information Needed |
|---|---|
| Scope Definition | What are the production systems for the chosen modeling scope? What are the desired outcomes of modeling the proposed production systems? |
| Demand | List of items flowing through the production system Bill of materials (BOM) or material take offs or quantity estimates for provided list of items mentioned above Project schedule / production schedule Use BOM and schedule to calculate weekly demand of the production units in the production model |
| Process Design | Sequences of operations the production units go through Labor and/or equipment required for each operation Process time or process rate (mean and variance) of each operation Setup time for each operation (mean and variance), if applicable Batch size for each operation – how many are processed at once? Transfer batch size for each operation – how many are moved together to and from each operation? Lot size for each item – how many parts are produced between setups? Locations of each operation Which operations have yield loss (scrap, defects) and what is the percentage? Percentages of rework for operations |
| Capacity | List of labor and equipment used in the production system Quantity available for each labor and equipment Work calendars for each labor & equipment – working days per week, shifts per day, hours per shift Which machines break down? How often and how long are they down? Description of any physical space limitations that constrain the chosen scope such as tight working areas, limited WIP storage, limited warehousing storage |
| Inventory | How and in what quantities of raw materials and finished goods are currently stocked? Are there multiple stocking locations and if so, where and in what quantities? Reorder policies (reorder point, reorder quantity) for purchased items |