Simulation based optimisation model for the lean assessment in SME: A case study

Amr Arisha, Amr Mahfouz, John Shea

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Due to their space limitation and small production scale, small and medium enterprises (SME) are vulnerable to rapid changes. Lean principles are considered as effective improvement approach to eliminate system's waste and inefficiencies. Although much of the academic materials have addressed the lean practices into large, global companies, they can still be adjusted to SMEs. Risks are usually associated with lean implementation process due to the drastic required changes in business policies and operations. Simulation can be successfully used to predict the impact of the proposed changes ahead of the implementation which helps to mitigate risks. Integrating simulation with optimization techniques provides optimum set-tings of the lean factors prior to the go live stage. In this study, simulation based optimization model was developed to optimize a set of parameters of lean SME against three performance measures - cycle time, WIP (work in process) and workforce utilization. Results showed constructive insights.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 2011 Winter Simulation Conference, WSC 2011
Pages2403-2413
Number of pages11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011
Event2011 Winter Simulation Conference, WSC 2011 - Phoenix, AZ, United States
Duration: 11 Dec 201114 Dec 2011

Publication series

NameProceedings - Winter Simulation Conference
ISSN (Print)0891-7736

Conference

Conference2011 Winter Simulation Conference, WSC 2011
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPhoenix, AZ
Period11/12/1114/12/11

Keywords

  • space limitation
  • small production scale
  • rapid changes
  • lean principles
  • eliminate waste
  • inefficiencies
  • lean practices
  • SMEs
  • risks
  • lean implementation
  • business policies
  • operations
  • simulation
  • predict impact
  • mitigate risks
  • optimization techniques
  • optimum settings
  • lean factors
  • cycle time
  • WIP
  • workforce utilization
  • constructive insights

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