Through the use of advanced simulation technology, ManSim/X quickly assesses the impact of factory design, product mix, personnel, and operating policies on product throughput, cycle times, and Work-In-Process (WIP). Managers and capacity planners can:

▪ Reduce manufacturing cycle times
▪ Identify bottlenecks
▪ Reduce Work-In-Process (WIP)
▪ Evaluate new operational strategies
▪ Maximize equipment and personnel utilization
▪ Project and manage product costs
▪ Assure sufficient capacity to meet future demand

How it works
ManSim/X simulates the complex interactions between processes, equipment and products, including random events such as equipment downtime and operator availability, through a model of the entire manufacturing process. Users gain a realistic understanding of their dynamic capacity so they can plan effectively.

ManSim/X separates the factory model into two sets of data: factory specifications and factory control policies. Factory specifications define the manufacturing environment including information about products, process steps, equipment, staffing levels and required skills. Operational guidelines cover a variety of equipment loading, lot dispatching, setup and product release rules as well as planning parameters.

Constraint-based modeling
The re-entrant flows of complex component fabrication make calculating capacity more challenging. When preparing to add new products to the manufacturing line, for example, planners must do more than just start more lots. They must understand where new bottlenecks will arise and how existing output will be affected. With ManSim/X, users evaluate alternatives by calculating the tradeoffs among capacity, cycle time and throughput.

New manufacturing facilities
With ManSim/X, designers of manufacturing facilities can determine equipment sets to calculate production capacity and cycle times in advance of construction. Especially difficult is predicting the potential output during a ramp. ManSim/X solves this problem by modeling arrival times of equipment, personnel and time-phased start rates. An optional feature even estimates the cost and quantity of consumables.

Team decision making
Because ManSim/X comprehends the entire manufacturing process, it provides an extensive overall view of factory performance valuable to many segments of the company. Industrial engineering, production management, customer service, new product development and capital spending teams all need information available from ManSim/X. With this knowledge, they can make informed decisions today about future requirements.

Comprehensive information
ManSim/X provides comprehensive and meaningful information in a variety of graphical displays and reports. Run Time Graphics (RTG) provide an animated view of products moving through the line, allowing users to quickly identify bottlenecks, visually note equipment utilization and the effect of the selected control policies on factory operations. Available reports show calculated cycle times and throughput and provide detailed information on lot and equipment status as well as material requirements and personnel utilization.

Easy to use
Planners will appreciate the ease of using ManSim's tools. Because these tools are designed specifically for complex component manufacturing, users don't have to devote significant time adapting them to their unique requirements. To get started, the user builds a model of the factory using a simple menu-driven, point-and-click interface. To make this process even easier, the user can import existing data from spreadsheets as well as from legacy systems.

ManSim/X is also fast, taking only seconds to simulate months of detailed operations. As a result, users can quantify the effects of a variety of "what if" scenarios to maximize product throughput and reduce cycle times.

Find out more
Manufacturing operations challenged by complex processing and advanced products need ManSim/X to make critical decisions in an increasingly complex manufacturing environment. Capacity planners can get the information they need to meet demands while optimizing the investment in equipment and people.

To find out more about ManSim/X, contact ManSim, Inc. today!