Optimering och balansering av cyklisk produktion : En studie på Sandvik Materials Technology PU Borrstål

Sammanfattning: Aim: The purpose of this study is to present and test an algorithm that gives acceptable solutions in the optimization of a dedicated production line consisting of several machines, with regards of inventory holding cost and available capacity. The aim is also to suggest possible improvements in the practical case that has been used to test the model, which have been made in cooperation with Sandvik Materials Technology and it’s product unit Rock Drill Steel, located in Sandviken, Sweden. Method: An algorithm has been elaborated from articles and science reports and has then been tested with data from the practical case. The result has then been evaluated through an analysis where the algorithm’s ability to acceptable solutions and show potential savings with regards to capital tied up in stock of finished products, safety stock and products in work in process. Results and conclusions: The study shows that the algorithm has the ability to create acceptable solutions when given a specific demand rate, cycle time and capacity. The study also shows potential savings when using a shorter production cycle, given that the unit works in a structured way in order to shorten the production cycle. Suggestions for future research: The algorithm tested in this study needs more evaluations regarding its limits and possible benefits through practical and theoretical case studies. Contributions: The algorithm the possibility to combine principles and models aimed at solving the ELSP (Economic Lot Schedule Problem) and the principles of Schedule Leveling, which is a common term in lean production to a model that optimize inventory holding costs. These theories have similar approaches to cyclic production, but have different aims. Key words: cyclic scheduling, ELSP, economic lot size problem, schedule leveling, heijunka, lean production