Simulation Based Approach for the Industrialization of a Cabinet Manufacturing Facility

High-end cabinet making is traditionally an artisan process that utilizes few manufacturing principles. Manufacturing lead time, labor hours required, and productivity can be improved by industrializing the process. This paper focuses on a case study of a high-end cabinet manufacturer in Edmonton AB, Canada and the proposed process and facility improvements. First, computer simulation using Simphony.NET and movement analysis of people/materials of the cabinet manufacturer’s current state of operations is conducted to establish a baseline. Next, suggested process and facility layout improvements and their anticipated results are quantified through future state simulation in order to aid management in making decisions for plant changes and to prove their effectiveness. These improvements include: application of lean principles, modification of their current production methods to reduce bottlenecks, and future state facility layout based on an optimized flow of people and materials.