Production system state analysis and improvement using VSM, simulation, and fuzzy logic
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to provide a door-to-door holistic perspective on the state of a production system based on several metrics and their relationships, to utilize a combination of tools and techniques and to develop a unique model for production system assessment. The study addresses the limitations of narrow approaches by proposing a new metric as a single indicator of the production system’s overall state.
Design/methodology/approach
The research methodology adopted is design science research. It proposes a framework that combines value stream mapping, simulation and fuzzy logic to study the impact of different lean interventions on the overall state. An offsite construction facility was used as a case study. Data were gathered using methods such as ethnography, interviews, time and motion studies, shopfloor observations, video surveillance and database exploration.
Findings
The paper highlights how some interventions can have local improvements but lead to negative impacts on the overall system state. It emphasizes the importance of having a holistic approach to analyze and improve the true state of a production system.
Research limitations/implications
The study excludes impacts of the supply chain and assumes the system to be confined within the shopfloor. Researchers are encouraged to include those variables in future studies.
Practical implications
The study presents a practical framework and tool that can be tailored to any production system and be used to improve its performance.
Originality/value
This paper proposes a unique framework and a new metric for system state assessment and improvement.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research is partially supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Alliance Grant ALLRP 549210-19.
Citation
Noueihed, K. and Hamzeh, F. (2024), "Production system state analysis and improvement using VSM, simulation, and fuzzy logic", Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/SASBE-05-2024-0191
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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