Discrete events simulation method for analyze cycle time: a case study in the plastics industry sector

Abstract

This work shows the potential of the Discrete-Event Simulation -DES- in a software modeling process applied to business decision making, using a descriptive methodology in a productive process of a manufacturing plastic bags company. The analysis identified the process characteristics and built a simulated model in Arena® software. Simulation shown variability in the process greater than 50% in the cycle time, which negatively affects the economic interests of the company, impacting opportunities to supply the market risking its position with other companies in the sector. The method implemented in the present work allows to know the critical points of the process, evaluate them and project a path to obtain the optimal or most viable solution, and propose modifications rising up the probability of success of any improvement plan. This makes any economic investment or locative change a desition-making quantitative supported.