Material Flow Planning in Cellular Manufacturing Systems by Computer Simulation

A manufacturing cell is a group of processes design to make a family of products in a flexible way. Cellular manufacturing concepts was developed to exploit the advantages of job shop layout and transfer line one. In these systems each cell (production unit) works separately and has its own recourses. Although these systems are more capital intensive but in factories where the variety and volume of production is comparatively high, these systems are recommended. Although each unit production lines are independent but the coordination between production, information and transportation system in huge cellular manufacturing plants is a major issue affecting total performance of the factory. This coordination is defined by the way material and information flows are established. A control policy in manufacturing systems imposes a particular pattern of information flow on the factory. Similarly, a specific implementation of transportation policies defines a pattern of material flow between two units. This paper studies the condition of material flow in INSIG. Furthermore, through simulation, proper flow of material with the aim of achieving company´s development plan as well as increasing the production capacity of some units has been provided.