Applying Analytic Hierarchy Process and Simulation Approach to Design Advanced Manufacturing Systems

This paper presents a simulation approach using SimFactory software to predict the behaviour of a newly designed semi- automated lamps manufacturing system. Several simulation experiments have been performed in order to investigate the influence of various Cellular Manufacturing System(CMS) configurations. Analytic Hierarchy Approach(AHP) is then performed by using AUTOMAN, a decision support software package. This package evaluates and combines the qualitative and quantitative factors for different configuration designs. The research findings lead to improve the system performance, reduce the operating cost, assist the advanced automation technology transfer and achieve better quality for maintaining product leadership and international competitiveness.