The application of computer simulation techniques to glassware production

Rising costs, changing product mix, and expanding technology have left engineers with a perplexing problem; how should we design and run the manufacturing system of the early 1980's? This was indeed the question posed for the production of a well known brand name of glassware. Rising production costs were eating away at profits and changing product mix was contributing to the problem through a reduction in productivity efficiencies. Further, expanding technology developed new processes that somehow had to be efficiently added to the manufacturing process. This paper describes how simulation was used to identify the key variables which were used to determine the best operating strategy and equipment design. In addition, and more importantly, a synopsis is presented explaining why simulation was chosen as the analysis technique (along with its advantages and disadvantages) and the problems encountered throughout the analysis.