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1 – 4 of 4Abdessalem Jerbi, Hédi Chtourou and Aref Y. Maalej
A number of simulation studies were conducted by several researchers in order to compare performances of cellular and functional layouts. The methodologies used by these studies…
Abstract
Purpose
A number of simulation studies were conducted by several researchers in order to compare performances of cellular and functional layouts. The methodologies used by these studies either present several objectivity lacks or are highly time‐consuming. The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel and objective methodology, based on the coupling of simulation and the Taguchi method.
Design/methodology/approach
Simulation models for both layouts are first developed. Simulations are then conducted following a standard Taguchi orthogonal array. Subsequently, the obtained results are analyzed using the analysis of variance technique. Finally, a mathematical model is built, and validated by the confirmation test.
Findings
The proposed comparison method permitted to obtain a valid mathematical model used to predict the superiority rank of the two layouts within the scope of the paper.
Originality/value
This paper presents a novel objective methodology for comparing functional and cellular layouts.
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Keywords
Wassim Masmoudi, Hédi Chtourou and Aref Y. Maalej
The purpose of this research is to focus on the solution of the resource sizing problem for production systems (PSs), defined as the specification of the number of each type of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research is to focus on the solution of the resource sizing problem for production systems (PSs), defined as the specification of the number of each type of resources to be used in a production process for a given time period.
Design/methodology/approach
The resource sizing problem is tackled by a simulation‐expert‐system‐based approach, coupling an expert system (ES) with a simulation tool. Hence, a number of “simulation – ES optimization” cycles are realized until obtaining non‐improvable levels of performance. The main performance measures considered in this work are related to the manufacturing orders due dates (DD).
Findings
Through the approach proposed in this work, it is possible to size machines in order to optimize DD related performance measures for a PS belonging to a specific application domain. PSs of this domain are characterized by a functional layout and feature no labor constraints. In addition, machines belonging to a same department are considered to be identical.
Originality/value
The developed approach allows studying the machine sizing problem realistically, through the use of stochastic simulation. Also, by coupling an ES to the simulation tool, it avoids the try and error aspect characterizing most simulation‐based approaches. It hence features a well‐structured reasoning mechanism for the search of the best solution.
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Keywords
Hédi Chtourou, Abdessalem Jerbi and Aref Y. Maalej
A number of simulation studies have been conducted previously by several researchers, in order to compare the performance of cellular and functional layouts. The purpose of this…
Abstract
Purpose
A number of simulation studies have been conducted previously by several researchers, in order to compare the performance of cellular and functional layouts. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the lack of objectivity of a number of these studies, in order to explain the origin of their conflicting conclusions.
Design/methodology/approach
A taxonomy of the main experimental factors and performance measure used in the main simulation comparative studies is followed by a critical assessment of ten of these studies. The analysis is focused on the objectivity of the layout comparison methodologies. Then, the determined shortcomings are categorized and some of them are illustrated by way of simulation.
Findings
The revealed shortcomings are most likely responsible for the conflicting conclusions of the studies and may well explain what is called in the literature the “cellular paradox.”
Originality/value
This work sets up the basis for an objective comparison methodology between the two manufacturing system layouts. Such a methodology should in fact be free of all the highlighted objectivity flaws.
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