Monte Carlo simulation as a tool for decision making in an assembly line of a manufacturing company

Monte Carlo simulation is employed as a tool for decision making on a manufacturing company. A three station assembly line dedicated to produce flat iron thermostats in a houseware manufacturing facility is used as a study case. Initially the plant was designed to generate an output of 3500 assemblies per week, while actual production only reached 85% of that value. Time and movements were studied and the results were used as a basis for improving the existing line operation using the Monte Carlo method. This initial simulation enabled the identification of the key problems responsible for restraining the output. Several other simulations were conducted to test different assembly line arrangements.