IE6300 Manufacturing Systems Design

Project Guideline
1. Project Overview:
This course project is a team-based endeavor designed to give you hands-on experience in
applying manufacturing systems design concepts and principles of factory physics. The objective
of this project is to design and develop an optimized manufacturing system that aligns with the
course content, emphasizing critical elements such as process flow dynamics, cycle time,
throughput, work in process, buffering, variability, batching, queueing, material transport, lean
concepts, and pull/push systems.
2. Team Composition:
Each project team should consist of 4-5 members, collaborating to execute the project.
3. Project Topic Selection:
• Select a specific manufacturing system or process within a real-world context. The chosen topic
should align with the manufacturing systems design principles, performance measures and
quantitative analysis methods covered in the course.
4. Project Proposal:
• Students must submit a 1-page project proposal outlining their chosen topic, project objectives,
methodology, and expected outcomes.
• The proposal should demonstrate a clear understanding of the selected topic and its relevance.
5. Project Phases:
• Literature Review: Explore existing research and case studies related to the chosen
topic.
• Data Collection: Collect relevant data or information required for the project.
• Analysis: Apply relevant analytical tools and techniques discussed in the course.
• Design and Recommendations: Propose a manufacturing system design or process
improvements.
6. Deliverables:
• Specify the project’s deliverables, which may include:
• Project proposal (Friday, October 27)
• Project presentation (Nov. 30, Dec. 5)
• Final project report (Dec. 13)
7. Project Presentation:
• Require students to give a formal project presentation in front of the class.
• Presentations should cover the project’s objectives, methodology, findings, and
recommendations.
8. Project Report:
• The final project report should provide a detailed account of the entire project, including the
methodology, results, and conclusions.
• Encourage students to follow a specific format, including an introduction, literature review,
methodology, results, discussion, and recommendations.
9. Evaluation Criteria:
• Clearly define how the projects will be evaluated and graded. Criteria may include:
• Thoroughness of literature review
• Effectiveness of data collection and analysis
• Quality of recommendations
• Clarity and organization of the project report
• Quality of the project presentation
10. Project Presentation Day:
• Schedule a day for project presentations, during which students can showcase their findings and
recommendations.
11. List of Topics (you can select from this list, but it’s not exhaustive):
1. Optimizing Production Flow: Analyze and optimize the flow of materials and processes within a
manufacturing system to minimize cycle time and maximize throughput.
2. Work-in-Process Reduction Strategies: Develop strategies to reduce work-in-process inventory
while maintaining production efficiency.
3. Buffering Strategies for Variability: Explore how different buffering methods, including
inventory, capacity, and time, can mitigate the impact of variability in manufacturing systems.
4. Lean Manufacturing Implementation: Evaluate the application of lean principles to a specific
manufacturing system and propose improvements for waste reduction and efficiency.
5. Pull vs. Push Systems: Compare and contrast the effectiveness of pull and push production
systems within a manufacturing context, recommending the best approach for a given scenario.
6. Queueing Theory Application: Apply queueing theory to optimize production lines, minimizing
wait times, and improving resource allocation.
7. Material Handling and Transport Optimization: Analyze material transport methods and
suggest improvements in a manufacturing facility to enhance efficiency and reduce lead times.
8. Production Scheduling and Job Sequencing: Develop scheduling algorithms to optimize job
sequencing in a manufacturing environment, reducing idle time and improving resource
utilization.
9. Batch Size Optimization: Investigate the impact of batch sizes on production efficiency and
explore methods to determine the optimal batch size for different products.
10. Cellular Manufacturing Design: Design a cellular manufacturing system for a specific product or
process, focusing on reducing setup times and enhancing flexibility.
11. Error and Defect Reduction Strategies: Implement methods for reducing defects and errors in a
manufacturing process, including root cause analysis and corrective actions.
12. Kanban System Implementation: Evaluate the implementation of a Kanban system in a
manufacturing environment, emphasizing inventory control and production flow.
Sample Ideas:
1. Optimizing Car Assembly Line Efficiency:
• Select a specific car assembly plant and design a simulation model to optimize the production
line’s efficiency. Consider factors like cycle time, work-in-process, and staffing to reduce
bottlenecks and increase throughput.
2. Cell Phone Manufacturing Process Simulation:
• Focus on the manufacturing process of xxx product. Develop a simulation model to analyze and
improve the production cycle, taking into account components’ availability, quality control, and
the impact on overall lead time.
3. Lean Implementation in xxx Assembly:
• Investigate the implementation of Lean principles in a xxx assembly plant using simulation.
Assess the impact of JIT production, Kanban systems, and other Lean tools on efficiency, lead
time, and resource utilization.
5. Quality Control in Headphone Assembly:
• Create a simulation model for quality control procedures in an assembly line. Evaluate the
effectiveness of quality checks, error detection, and rework strategies in reducing defects and
improving overall product quality.
6. Cellular Manufacturing Design for xxx product:
• Develop a simulation model to design a cellular manufacturing system for xxx production.
Optimize cell layout, worker allocation, and material handling to enhance flexibility and reduce
cycle times.
7. Material Handling and Transport Simulation:
• Focus on material transport and handling within a car assembly facility or a xxx manufacturing
plant. Use simulations to assess different transport methods, routes, and automation to
minimize lead times and resource usage.
8. Assembly Line Balancing for Cell Phone Manufacturing:
• Create a simulation model to balance the assembly line for xxx. Evaluate the allocation of tasks,
worker assignments, and workstation layout to improve cycle time and overall productivity.
9. Inventory Management for Laptop Manufacturing:
• Investigate the impact of inventory management strategies on laptop assembly efficiency. Use
simulations to assess the effects of different inventory levels, replenishment methods, and
safety stock on the production process.
10. Predictive Maintenance in xxx Manufacturing:
• Develop a predictive maintenance strategy for machinery and equipment used in xxx
manufacturing. Simulate the implementation of predictive maintenance practices to reduce
downtime and improve reliability.