Optimising the Planning- and Scheduling in a Complex Production : Discrete-Event Simulation in a pharmaceutical context

Sammanfattning: The aim of this study is to investigate the optimisation of production planning- and scheduling in a pharmaceutical facility using DES.Research questions: “How can DES be used to achieve flexibility and efficiency in a pharmaceutical facility?” and “How can DES be used to increase efficiency of the resource allocation in a pharmaceutical facility?”Methodology: This study has been compared to a deductive- and a quantitative research approach where a process simulation has been modelled. The theoretical framework was based on books and scientific publications. Empirical data was collected through unstructured observations at the production site, frequent meetings together with the company and through the company’s database Discoverant. Based on the results from the simulation model conclusions could be drawn.Conclusion: The study concluded that there are bottlenecks at the beginning of the processes in all three production flows for Medicine A, Medicine B and Medicine C. If these are raised it would generate greater flexibility and efficiency in the production. There were also indications of a new allocation of resources that would raise efficiency in the production, thus making it possible to increase the output from the production.