Simulating an applied model to optimize cell production and parts supply (Mizusumashi) for laptop assembly

This study investigates the optimal production system in Japan using a large-scale sampling survey of laptop assembly production firm. In Japan, many companies adopt a cell production system which is studied and emulated by other manufacturing companies around the world. Companies which successfully introduced the cell production process have improved their manufacturing, but related processes such as parts supply have not been optimized. If the supply of parts is inefficient, overall efficiency suffers even if cell production works optimally. In fact, it is absolutely necessary to pursue a total optimization. Thus, this paper considers the manufacturing system's needs in terms of the most suitable number of material handlers to supply parts(= Mizusumashi) from receiving area to the cells as it is linked to efficient cell production for laptop assembly using simulation.