Manufacturing Cell Lead Time Reduction using Rapid Modelling Technology

In the last two decades, a few companies have been leapfrogging their competition via a novel strategy called Quick Response Manufacturing (QRM). The application of QRM aims at simultaneously reducing lead times, improving quality and lowering costs. Lead time depends on both processing time and queue time. While processing time may be know based on the machining parameters, queue time depends on many ‘dynamic’ factors such as, whether the machine has broken down, which parts are already in queue to use the machine, and so on. In order to predict whether a decision will improve lead times, it is necessary to be able to forecast both process and queue times. An interesting method based on analytical techniques for queuing network modelling, called Rapid Modelling Technology (RMT), was utilised for dynamic shop floor operations modelling using efficient mathematical equations and fast lead time calculations on a PC. In this paper, the evaluation of human and economic resources of a mechanical parts manufacturing company is analysed through RMT.