Arena Simulation of STR Manufacturing Process - Dissertation Example

The present research has identified that Thai Hua Rubber PCL is one of the largest rubber producer and exporter in Thailand. Most of the product is concerning a production of rubber, for example, RSS (Ribbed Smoked sheets), RSS Compound (Ribbed smoked sheets compounds), STR (Standard Thai rubber), Concentrated Latex, ADS (Air Dried Sheets). However, focus product in this research would be STR (Standard Thai rubber) for which we see a manifold increase in demand. The research is aimed to identify measure and analyze the main problems in oven and packaging zone of production flow.

The solution of the problem and its further validation by using Arena Simulation is also within the scope of this project. In order to improve the production, data was collected from the company’s existing processes and management information systems. The area of focus was the company’s production and quality control processes. Initially, the company’s existing scenario was simulated by using Arena Simulation programming method. Then in-depth analysis was conducted to find out the main problem in the production line and a solution was devised based on lean manufacturing methods.

Lean manufacturing is the customer focus approach to deliver or supply what customer demands in the desired form and free of defects and in time. It further aims to reduce all types of wastes encountered during production processes that may impede overall productivity and increase costs. Main tools of lean manufacturing include but are not limited to 5S, TPM, 6 Sigma, and Kaizen. The transformation from a non-lean setup to a lean manufacturing system is critical and requires a systematic approach for this transition to avoid any major breakdown.