Simulation-based approach to design a multi-stage flow-shop in steelworks

This paper describes a new simulation-based approach for redesign of a multi-stage flow-shop production line. A performance measure which represents an `actual´ production rate of a machine is defined in order to identify bottlenecks. A simulation procedure based on the proposed measure is developed in order to determine how best to alleviate the bottlenecks. This new approach is applied for redesigning an actual large-scale multi-stage flow-shop production line in the authors´ steelworks and they can determine the proper specifications of this line which can achieve an increase of productivity with a minimal investment. This approach is practical and powerful for redesign of a multi-stage flow-shop production line