Optimization and investment decisions of electrical motors’ production line using discrete event simulation

Abstract: More dynamic markets, shorter product life cycles and comprehensive variant management are challenges that dominate today's market. These maxims apply to the automotive sector, which is currently highly exposed to trade wars, changing mobility patterns and the emergence of new technologies and competitors. To meet these challenges, this thesis presents the creation of a digital twin of an existing production line of electric motors using discrete event simulation. Based on a detailed literature research, a step-by-step establishment of the simulation model of the production line using the software Plant Simulation is presented and argued. Finally, different experiments are carried out with the created model to show how a production line can be examined and optimized by means ofsimulation using different parameters. Within the scope of the different experiments regarding the number of workpiece carriers, number of operators as well as buffer sizes, the line was examined concerning the increase of the output. Furthermore, the simulation model was used to make decisions for future investments in additional XXX machines. Four different scenarios were examined and optimized. By examining the different parameters, optimization potentials of XXX% in the first scenario and up to XXX% in the fourth scenario were achieved. Finally, it was proven that the developed simulation model can be used as a tool for optimizing an existing production line and can generate useful investment information. Beyond that, the development of the simulation model can be employed to investigate further business questions at hand for the specific production line in question.