Assignment 2 Manufacturing Simulation – Air Motor
Aim: The aim of the assignment is to use specific operations software to simulate a Manufacturing environment whilst appreciating the role of Operation Management. A written technical report will show the creation of the simulation and operational decisions taken by you prior to starting the simulation. The report will contain liberal illustrations/screen shots of elements of your simulation.
Further research is expected to focus on the wider application and significance of Operations Management Techniques. This assignment will address the following learning outcomes:
Learning Outcomes:
- Describe and illustrate the scope, context and significance of the role of operations management
- Describe and illustrate the scope, context and significance of manufacturing
- Explain, justify and apply specific operations management techniques
- Apply both general and operations management specific software
5 Apply team-working, communication and researching skills
Task 1 Simulation Assumptions (10% weighting)
. This will involve making your own assumptions, you may work in groups initially to discuss and decide what assumptions to start with, you can also implement your own if you wish. Explain and justify your decisions and consider how the simulation could be refined once a basic simulation is working.
Sample initial assumptions: (you do not need to use these and can create your own assumptions). All staff have the same skill level and can be assigned to any of the activities. Initially assume all raw materials arrive on time, cut to length and are always in stock. Assume each machine can operate 8 hours a day 5 days a week. Bought-in items such as springs and nuts & bolts arrive on time and are always in stock. Assume all queues are infinite.
Task 2 Target Goals and KPI’s (10% weighting)
Decide before you begin your simulation what measurable factors and key performance indicators (KPIs) you wish to derive from the simulation from an Operations Management point of view. i.e. utilisation of machines, queues, maximum capacity etc. Explain and justify your decisions.
Task 3 Simulation (50% weighting)
Create a simulation using Simul8 software to show Air Motor parts being manufactured and assembled. Determine the maximum weekly capacity of Wharf Building workshop to manufacture and assemble Air Motors (see CAD drawing of workshop layout) Initially build a simple simulation to show the flow of work through the different manufacturing activities, do not attempt the whole simulation in one go. To gain higher marks look to add elements to the simulation to expand and refine it, this could include but is not limited to things such as adding Staff Resources to activities to determine minimum staffing levels to achieve maximum capacity or adding Inspection/Quality Control into the process.
Task 4 Simulation Results (20% weighting)
Present the findings from your simulation with respect to your original target goals and KPI’s. Liberally illustrate your report with screen shots of ways in which your simulation functions. Highlight potential bottlenecks in the process and seek to improve capacity and efficiency in the process. Comment on your results and justify your decisions for improvements.
Task 5 Role of Operations Management and Manufacturing (10%)
Describe the scope, context and significance of Operation Management in this manufacturing task. Through further reading and research explain what Operations Management Techniques can be adopted for this type of work beyond simply manufacturing the Air Motor i.e. SPC control, lean manufacturing. You do not need to incorporate any of these elements into your Simulation.
