Trudi Sully was involved with the effort to bring manufacturing into that process as part of her work with the MTC.
The data itself was not hard-coded into the model and instead read from an external data file, which made running multiple simulations for differing parameters a rapid process.. Several different scenarios were simulated in the model that were made up from combinations of options.This included different production schedules and whether transport timings were included, to test sensitivity of the system to these inputs.
We also added scenarios for a +/- 20% variation on process timings (for example, the welding stations), using a triangular distribution.. We defined key outputs to measure performance of the system, including schedule completion time (i.e.how long it took to manufacture all trusses in the schedule) and average daily throughput, for comparison against expected market demand.We recorded buffer accumulation to test for process bottlenecks, as well as the number of occupied painting stations to check capacity against what had been previously assumed.. Case study - modelling conclusion.
The model was able to support several assumptions made for the design of the process, such as the allowances for buffers and painting bays.Additionally, the model could show that the system was sensitive to assumptions made for travel time of materials between stations, but that the different production schedules and variation in process time only resulted in slight variations in results.. With this simulation able to rapidly test multiple options and scenarios, the model can continue to be used to test further sensitivities in the process or be expanded to include even more of the system.
This could include raw material handling, truss packing and shipping, or even wider in the supply chain.. Long term changes supported by simulation and automation.
This type of project demonstrates how simulation can support automation in construction, providing dynamic time-based results to design teams and stakeholders to aid in their decision making – particularly highlighting how and where automated processes can provide the biggest benefit for process or cost.This focus on the workers’ experience typifies the comprehensive and multifaceted approach of Design to Value.
Conversing and collaborating to the point where imagination expands is the work of Design to Value..The process must be evolutionary – you have to have conversations and see where they take you.
This stands in stark contrast to the way most firms operate today with a set process and series of protocols, and a very clear agreement on stage gates and deliverables.In Design to Value, design phases are described by broad questions documented into the problem statement and value drivers.
(Editor: Wireless Treadmills)