Case studies
Three case studies have been conducted, each examining the logistic flow within a different facility. Each is described here.
The first internal logistics study concerned a focused factory at Volvo Aero Corporation, where Turbine Exhaust Casings (TECs) were made. These are large, high value components. It was desired to see if improved logistic control might lead to reductions in tied-up capital, while maintaining or improving upon the level of customer service achieved.
TECs consist of an inner ring, an array of struts, and an outer ring, joined together by a series of welding operations. There is also a considerable amount of machining, and some ancillaries are added during assembly stages.
The architecture of this model closely resembles the Operations Flow diagram supplied by Volvo Aero. The construction of the model is described in detail on the next page.
The second case study addressed the manufacture of turbine blades and vanes at MTU Aero Engines. It was desired to investigate the impact of alternative batch sizes for processing and transportation. Vanes are an assembly of two parts, while blades are supplied as a casting, to be machined. Both parts are made on the same production line, with several variants.
The third case study concerns another business unit at Volvo Aero Corporation, where a great many product types are processed. Unlike the first two studies, the model was constructed using Simul-8. It was found that much of what had been learned in the creation of the Arena models could be applied, despite the different modelling approach.
