A Simulation-Based Tool to Support Decision-Making in Logistics Design of a Can Packaging Line

Abstract

This study proposes an advanced discrete-event simulation-based tool to support decision-making in the internal logistic design of a packaging line of a multinational brewery company. The selected software, Simio, allows emulating, advising and predicting the behavior of complex real-world systems. The simulation model provides a 3D interface that facilitates verification and validation. In this work, the designed model is used to understand the dynamic interactions between multiple factors and performance measures including both material-handling and inventory systems and to define necessary quantities and/or capacities of resources for a future can packaging line. Based on the proposed model, a what-if analysis is performed to determine inventory threshold values and other critical variables in order to optimize the configuration of internal logistics in potential scenarios.