Simulation analysis of a PCB factory using factorial design - A case study

This study describes simulation modelling and analysis of a serial production line in a printed circuit board (PCB) factory. Simulation technique is applied to evaluate the performance of the existing manufacturing system, which requires modification to achieve two conflicting objectives, i.e. to maximise the average throughput rate and to minimise the average lead time. Based on a full factorial design, the computer model, which is developed using SIMFACTORY, has been used for finding out the active factors that have a great impact on the current operational problems. Then, a new system design is proposed to enhance the overall performance and is verified using a simulation model. The simulation approach presented here is also applicable to a wide variety of complex operational problems.