Analysis of an advanced manufacturing cell through computer simulation

The use of a simulation technique with animation capability to analyze an advanced manufacturing cell used in an integrated IC manufacturing facility is described. This animated graphic model includes details of all equipment, the intracell material handling system, and all the process steps from molding through trim/form operations. The simulation model is used to analyze the behavior of the intracell material handling system as measured by the average material handling system utilization, average response times, and process characteristics such as equipment utilization, throughput through the cell, buffer capacities, and work-in-process inventory levels. The model has been used to recommend proper intracell material handling system, equipment, and input/output dock buffer capacities and to understand the actual cell capacity