Simulation Based Job Sequence Impacts on Window Manufacturing

Abstract

This thesis describes a framework to analyze the impacts of job sequencing on a window manufacturing company through implementation of various dispatching rules. In order to develop the framework, a study is carried out at a window manufacturing facility in order to gain comprehensive knowledge of the different processes employed on the production line. Discrete event simulation (DES) is employed to explore the effects of distinct job order sequencing scenarios on performance metrics, including total production time, productivity, and queueing area space variations. The implementation of a heuristic dispatching rule significantly improves total production time and a reduction of queueing area space. Additionally, this framework proves that the wrong job order sequencing can lead to a loss in productivity and a larger production line space.