Production increase at a blockhouse in the northern part of the State of Mexico through discrete-event simulation.

Abstract

The discrete events simulation is a tool applicable to the improvement of industrial processes, since it allows the analysis of different improvement scenarios to comply with organizational indicators, without companies investing their resources with the uncertainty of the results. This research was developed in a stationary type blockhouse in compliance with NMX-C-441-ONNCCE-2005 with the main objective of increasing production from 4,500 first-class blocks to 5,000 per week, as well as reducing second class products and removing in-process materials. Simulation process methodology was used in conjunction with a time and motion study and balance charts to determine the process bottlenecks. The scenarios proposed were in accordance with the needs of the blockhouse and once the ideal scenario was established, a DOE 22 was applied with two replicas to establish the process conditions. Once the improvement scenario was implemented, 100% compliance with the client's demand was validated, as well as savings in the process for $1,380.00 Mexican pesos per week. Finally, multiple linear regression equations were presented to management to facilitate future decision making.