Line balancing is challenging, particularly when we are limited to approximations rather than exact data. With so many different and potentially conflicting requirements on the system, the outcomes of a new process design may be difficult to predict.
Simulation can create a well-balanced line that has the flexibility to hit throughput targets consistently. With a simple simulation of assembly operations on the line, we can identify bottlenecks, run different production schedules, and evaluate the impact of design and scheduling decisions, such as buffering requirements and product mix. This “what-if” analysis can be done quickly and accurately to evaluate all the conflicting decision criteria.