Design Considerations of Automated Guided Vehicle Systems in a Cellular Manufacturing Environment
International Journal of Operations & Production Management
ISSN: 0144-3577
Article publication date: 1 January 1993
Abstract
Describes a company‐based PhD project into the use of automated guided vehicles in a small‐batch manufacturing environment. The project led to a balanced‐cell methodology to facilitate the use of guided vehicles in a difficult environment. The methodology itself was found to provide benefits for material flow. Having formulated the above approach, a theoretical model is presented, analysing the operational effects of improved workflow. The above theoretical analysis showed the potential benefits of balanced cells on the factory floor, and these were confirmed by a simulation study. This being so, a DCF analysis showed that balanced cells enabled the economic use of guided vehicle systems in multi‐product batch manufacture, by transforming an AGV project from a negative to a positive net present value. An analysis of the wider effects of cellular manufacture enabled the value of the investment to be increased.
Keywords
Citation
Lee, R.J.V. (1993), "Design Considerations of Automated Guided Vehicle Systems in a Cellular Manufacturing Environment", International Journal of Operations & Production Management, Vol. 13 No. 1, pp. 35-55. https://doi.org/10.1108/01443579310024016
Publisher
:MCB UP Ltd
Copyright © 1993, MCB UP Limited