Internal logistics flow simulation: a case study in automotive industry

Fabri Lima, Marcelus; Ramalhinho-Lourenço, Helena; Oliver Riera, Miquel; Muñoz, Juan Carlos

doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17477778.2020.1781554

Internal logistics flow simulation: a case study in automotive industry

Citation

Fabri M, Ramalhinho H, Oliver M, Muñoz JC. Internal logistics flow simulation: a case study in automotive industry. J Simul. 2020;16(2):204-16. DOI: 10.1080/17477778.2020.1781554

Abstract

This work focuses on internal logistics (IL), which is defined as the flows of materials inside the same business or the same plant. We centre on the IL activities of a car-assembling company. The main objective is to propose simulation models’ concepts that evaluate assembling lines under the IL point of view. We present a real case study based on SEAT S.A., a company in the Volkswagen group. We developed a Discrete-Event Simulation model through the Plant Simulation software. The company set the main Key Performance Indicators, which are related to the logistics flows’ performance (LFP) and an assembly lines’ aisles utilisation. The results expose which aisles are overused, the disturbs among the logistics flows, and the LFP, regarding the total of backorders, the trips duration, and the routes’ length in terms of distances and time. Moreover, we offer aset of best practices for further applications in that field.