Humans: The missing link in manufacturing simulation?

Baines, Tim; Mason, Stephen; Siebers, Peer-Olaf; Ladbrook, John

Abstract

Computer based discrete event simulation (DES) is one of the most commonly used aids for the design of automotive manufacturing systems. However, DES tools represent machines in extensive detail, while only representing workers as simple resources. This presents a problem when modelling systems with a highly manual work content, such as an assembly line. This paper describes research at Cranfield University, in collaboration with the Ford Motor Company, founded on the assumption that human variation is the cause of a large percentage of the disparity between simulation predictions and real world performance. The research aims to improve the accuracy and reliability of simulation prediction by including models of human factors.

Citation

Baines, T., Mason, S., Siebers, P., & Ladbrook, J. (2004). Humans: The missing link in manufacturing simulation?. Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory, 12(7-8), 515-526. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1569-190X%2803%2900094-7

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 16, 2003
• Online Publication Date: Aug 27, 2003
• Publication Date: 2004-11
• Deposit Date: Jan 5, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 8, 2019
• Journal: Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory
• Print ISSN: 1569-190X
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 12
• Issue: 7-8
• Pages: 515-526
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1569-190X%2803%2900094-7
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1446090
• Publisher URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1569190X03000947