Material distribution method in discrete manufacturing systems and a case study from engine builders
In a discrete manufacturing enterprise, it is difficult to satisfy the fast matching and accurate supply of production materials or the demand of modern dynamic production systems using passive material supply. With a focus on engine builders, this study explores the active material configuration and systematic material distribution approaches. Due to the material characteristics and the granularity of logistics demand, the material distribution is arranged in reverse chronological order, and the corresponding mathematical modeling of the distributing period is proposed to achieve lean manufacturing. To ensure exact material distribution time, the allocation material configuration model that works best for the dynamic manufacturing system is presented by means of system modeling. Next, a production material distribution method for the general assembly line and the sub-assembly line with a closely related production sequence is proposed to achieve the exact match of manufacturing and material resources through the analysis of data fusion and logistics resource matching. Finally, a simulation is conducted using production data gathered from engine builders. The results indicate the effectiveness of the proposed active material configuration method. The outcome of this study can be used as a guide for the time planning of material flow in a dynamic manufacturing system and can provide a new research perspective on production logistics or distribution in a production line.