Production system improvement at a medical devices company : floor layout reduction and manpower analysis

Abstract

Due to the low demand and the need to introduce other production lines in the floor, the medical devices company wants to optimize the utilization of space and manpower for the occlusion system product. This thesis shows the approaches and methodology used to reduce the occlusion system's floor area from 1528 ft² to 1052 ft². Also, it provides a detailed analysis of the manpower at the occlusion system assembly lines. The analysis includes different models that were developed and simulated using different number of available operators and batch sizes. The results show the maximum production rate for each subassembly using the existing production benches, tools, and equipment. Furthermore, a manpower model was recommended for each subassembly of the occlusion system along with the necessary cross training requirements based on the current average demand.