Optimization of a multiphase multiproduct production line based on virtual cells

The work presented in this article consists of the development of a discrete event simulation model, based on a real case and implemented in an Arena simulation environment. This is aimed at a class of very specific multiphase multiproduct production lines, with a four closed-loop network configuration, which is very common in the automobile sector. Also included in this study is an index of economic and functional efficiency, which evaluates cost-efficiency in each of the simulated scenarios. From a conceptual perspective, the idea of a virtual cell, was used in the configuration modeling of the production line. The modeling of complex production systems, based on the concept of virtual cells, allows for a greater understanding of the functioning process of a production line, through the simplification of the production flow and the addition of buffers between the virtual cells. Thus, due to the facility presented by their dynamic configuration, virtual cells constitute an important modeling tool, which should always be used whenever one aims to optimize production flow, namely in the case of production lines with a rather complex configuration.