Simulation Analysis of Work-In-Process Inventory Control for Discrete Manufacturing Systems

Under the modern discrete manufacturing mode, the multi-variety and small-batch production system satisfies the requirements of the diversified demands of consumers, rapid responses to market needs and high core competitive advantages. Especially, in this production system, tightly coupled cells are widely applied to improve production flexibility and precision and reduce manufacturing costs. However, the complexities and randomness of manufacturing system can lead to the ineffective control of multiple tightly coupled cells, resulting in high WIP levels and a high " block " / " starvation " frequency. Moreover, unreasonable WIP management extends production cycle times, decreases market responsiveness and causes system instability. Additionally, green production and reducing environmental impacts have been increasingly considered part of sustainable development practices. However, in the current manufacturing mode, because of the complex nature and randomicity of WIP inventory control, high WIP levels can not only affect productivity but also cause environmental costs as a result of inefficient WIP control. Owing to high WIP levels, overstocks of unnecessary materials and intermediate products are often produced, causing huge material waste, idle energy consumption, idle processing cost and stock scraps, 報告番号 ※ 第 号 学位報告４