Sterilization resource forecasting in the medical devices industry

Abstract

Sterilization is an example of a procedure that has been outsourced by medical device companies. Sterilization is required for all medical devices and the process used is based on product type. As demand for medical devices increases, production is ramping up, and the need for additional sterilization capacity increases. The time required to build more sterilization capacity can be between six to nine months, and therefore companies are looking into their future production to estimate when will be the right time to start building more capacity. This thesis analyzes the change in sterilization capacity utilization using a simulation model. The model replicates the current production distribution based on data provided from the sterilization facility.