Discrete event simulation approach for evaluation and estimation of various production parameters

In this research we focus on minimizing the makespan, number of reconfiguration and wastage of materials due to reconfigurations for a set of non identical parallel machines. A mathematical model of the scheduling problem is explained, subjected to various production related constraints and is optimized using a heuristic approach. Optimality of the schedule generated is tested on a simulation platform created as close to real production system, modelling all the important uncertainty in the process. Simulation model also estimates the real order completion time and total wastage in the production process. A real manufacturing process of plastic foil bags is used in the case study to find and test the proposed solution. This approach acts effective in planning and scheduling of orders in small and medium scale industries as the approach is data driven.