The impact of staffing on cycle time evaluated by simulation

This paper is focusing specifically on the issue of forced tool idle time due to operator delays. It explores the impact of staffing levels on cycle time, and gives examples from simulation models that show how operator delays can lead to forced idle time on tools, even at relatively low levels of operator loading. On the basis of several simulation studies it was to be determined under which conditions operator utilization rates have an especially great influence on the system´s performance. The quantitative effects of the influencing factors considered to be essential were examined, for example the size of a team of operators, the utilization machines and operator, the relation between operating time and machine loading time or the effects of frequency and duration of additional work on the cycle time of the lots.