Date of Award
12-2004
Degree Name
Master of Science in Engineering
Department
Industrial and Entrepreneurial Engineering and Engineering Management
Department
Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
First Advisor
Dr. Tarun Gupta
Second Advisor
Dr. Sam Ramrattan
Third Advisor
Dr. Larry Mallak
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
Machine cell formation is an important issue in industrial and manufacturing engineering. Properly assigned machine cells can improve manufacturing system efficiencies and decrease unnecessary material movement. To address the need for proper cell formation techniques a myriad of heuristics have been created that attempt to optimize the grouping of machines. Further, much industrial engineering research has been conducted on the application of simulation technology to manufacturing system evaluation.
The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the combination of traditional machine grouping heuristics with simulation technology and to create a generalized meta-model based upon this evaluation. This investigation analyzes the problems and opportunities of combining machine grouping heuristics and techniques with the power of simulation technology. The results of this study indicate increased simulation output of entities and increased performance of resources through the application of the hybrid methodologies.
Recommended Citation
Akerman, Ashley Nolen, "Using Simulation Techniques to Evaluate Group Technology Heuristics: A Recommended Methodology for Comparison and Optimization" (2004). Masters Theses. 4960.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/4960