Achieving efficiency through simulation in a declining manufacturing market

Using simulation to model manufacturing processes, to increase understanding and enable economic management of the system, is now well established. Frequently the improved understanding gained from such modelling is used to increase production output; however, simulation can also assist in planning a reducing output in cases where there is a declining market. In this case study, an electronics assembly line is studied, where a steadily reducing output is required. One approach in achieving an economic solution is to reduce the number of workers on the assembly line. The simulation demonstrates that analysis of worker's shift patterns can achieve cost-effective and efficient solutions in achieving the required reduction in output.