Today, the manufacturing sector is fundamental in all modern economic production systems. It represents a a complex sector adapting on the one hand to the needs of consumption, on the other to new production technologies. In such a competitive market it is necessary to develop flexible production models capable of increase efficiency to minimize costs reducing time-to-market and ensure on-time delivery. In this context, the new digital technologies are becoming more and more important to increasing efficiency in the manufacturing sector. Thus, the aim of the present research was to develop a simulation model based on the Digital Twin (DT) technology within a company in the manufacturing sector. The model made possible to predict the future performance of the physical asset. More in detail, the model was developed within an Italian SME that manufactures rack cabinet for electric vehicle charging stations. The company, in about a year, has tripled its monthly production to meet a strong market demand. This has pushed the company management to investigate the production process to improve it. Thanks to the simulation model, it was possible to analyze and control the operation of a process in real time, as well as evaluate any type of change before, during and after its implementation in order to assess its impact in terms of both advantages and disadvantages. The results of the real-world manufacturing are promising allowing managers to define future business strategies.
Simulation optimization for a flexible production process under uncertain factors
De Felice F.;De Luca C.;Travaglioni M.;Forcina A.;Petrillo A.
2022-01-01
Abstract
Today, the manufacturing sector is fundamental in all modern economic production systems. It represents a a complex sector adapting on the one hand to the needs of consumption, on the other to new production technologies. In such a competitive market it is necessary to develop flexible production models capable of increase efficiency to minimize costs reducing time-to-market and ensure on-time delivery. In this context, the new digital technologies are becoming more and more important to increasing efficiency in the manufacturing sector. Thus, the aim of the present research was to develop a simulation model based on the Digital Twin (DT) technology within a company in the manufacturing sector. The model made possible to predict the future performance of the physical asset. More in detail, the model was developed within an Italian SME that manufactures rack cabinet for electric vehicle charging stations. The company, in about a year, has tripled its monthly production to meet a strong market demand. This has pushed the company management to investigate the production process to improve it. Thanks to the simulation model, it was possible to analyze and control the operation of a process in real time, as well as evaluate any type of change before, during and after its implementation in order to assess its impact in terms of both advantages and disadvantages. The results of the real-world manufacturing are promising allowing managers to define future business strategies.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
