In-plant Logistics Efficiency Valuation Using Discrete Event Simulation

The purpose of this paper is to present an applicable approach for the valuation of in-plant logistics efficiency. Therefore, we developed a time-based efficiency concept that considers all relevant time losses when executing production logistics processes. The occurring delays are captured in real-time using modern auto-ID-technologies. For the valuation and improvement of in-plant logistics efficiency, we propose to use simulation modelling to investigate the cause-effect relations in the production system in advance. Thus, a discrete event simulation model has been constructed to model the workflow of a production system with discrete manufacturing processes and its in-plant logistics processes. The aim of the provided simulation study is to prove the functionality and to verify the applicability of the current approach in business practice. (Received in March 2014, accepted in August 2014. This paper was with the authors 1 month for 1 revision.)