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Multidimensional Evaluation of the Changeability of Interlinked Production Processes with Material Flow Simulation

2013; Elsevier BV; Volume: 7; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.procir.2013.05.024

2212-8271

Florian Albrecht, Laura Faatz, Eberhard Abele,

Product Development and Customization

The increasing length and interconnectedness of process chains – caused by a rising product complexity – forces companies to operate in an environment with a growing number of change drivers interfering in their day-to-day business. These new business conditions characterized by a rising intensity and multidimensionality of changes do not allow covering all potential developments by the flexibility of the production economically. This circumstance requires new approaches for process planning and investment decisions for companies. This article introduces an integrated planning approach to evaluate the changeability of interlinked production processes ex ante using material flow simulation and scenario analysis. Based on the results process chains can be configured robust to future requirements, because changeability enablers for a quick and efficient adoption can be installed systematically. A major advantage of simulating multiple stages of a production process is not only that the changeability of single processes is evaluated, but also the interdependencies within the entire process chain are considered in the evaluation and the configuration of improved processes.