Optimization of Wiring Harness Logistics Flow in the Automotive Industry

This paper presents a compelling argument for optimizing the logistics flow of wiring harnesses within the automotive industry to address the rising production demands of vehicle manufacturers. It introduces an innovative assembly line structure specifically designed to boost efficiency and enhance...

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Main Authors: Cicerone Laurentiu Popa, Ioana Iorga, Costel Emil Cotet, Ana Maria Ifrim, Constantin-Adrian Popescu, Tiberiu Gabriel Dobrescu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-11-01
Series:Applied Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/22/10636
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author Cicerone Laurentiu Popa
Ioana Iorga
Costel Emil Cotet
Ana Maria Ifrim
Constantin-Adrian Popescu
Tiberiu Gabriel Dobrescu
author_facet Cicerone Laurentiu Popa
Ioana Iorga
Costel Emil Cotet
Ana Maria Ifrim
Constantin-Adrian Popescu
Tiberiu Gabriel Dobrescu
author_sort Cicerone Laurentiu Popa
collection DOAJ
description This paper presents a compelling argument for optimizing the logistics flow of wiring harnesses within the automotive industry to address the rising production demands of vehicle manufacturers. It introduces an innovative assembly line structure specifically designed to boost efficiency and enhance responsiveness to client needs. Drawing from data gathered from an actual assembly line dedicated to producing engine harnesses for K9K engines, this study offers a practical and impactful foundation for its proposed optimization strategies. The new assembly structure effectively merges the benefits of a dynamic line—which emphasizes efficient space utilization and flexibility—with the strengths of a rotary line, particularly in light of the increasing complexity associated with harness production. The paper features a mathematical model that calculates cycle times for workstations within this new system architecture, optimizing the entire production process. Moreover, it illustrates how advanced modeling, simulation, and optimization techniques using WITNESS Horizon Version Release 25.0 can identify necessary adjustments for achieving optimal assembly line balance. Additionally, this research addresses pressing environmental concerns by proposing a robust recycling strategy for the scrap produced during wiring harness manufacturing. By advocating for sustainable practices and responsible waste management, the study highlights the importance of minimizing the ecological footprint of the automotive manufacturing process. In summary, this research provides essential insights and practical solutions for optimizing wiring harness logistics flow in the automotive industry. By implementing these strategies, manufacturers can significantly enhance their production capacity, improve operational efficiency, and maintain competitiveness in an ever-evolving market landscape.
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spelling doaj-art-e0bb8f853e874d478cfdcfad9c49fe4b2024-11-26T17:49:35ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172024-11-0114221063610.3390/app142210636Optimization of Wiring Harness Logistics Flow in the Automotive IndustryCicerone Laurentiu Popa0Ioana Iorga1Costel Emil Cotet2Ana Maria Ifrim3Constantin-Adrian Popescu4Tiberiu Gabriel Dobrescu5Robots and Production System Department, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Splaiul Independenței 313, 060041 Bucharest, RomaniaRobots and Production System Department, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Splaiul Independenței 313, 060041 Bucharest, RomaniaRobots and Production System Department, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Splaiul Independenței 313, 060041 Bucharest, RomaniaRobots and Production System Department, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Splaiul Independenței 313, 060041 Bucharest, RomaniaRobots and Production System Department, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Splaiul Independenței 313, 060041 Bucharest, RomaniaRobots and Production System Department, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Splaiul Independenței 313, 060041 Bucharest, RomaniaThis paper presents a compelling argument for optimizing the logistics flow of wiring harnesses within the automotive industry to address the rising production demands of vehicle manufacturers. It introduces an innovative assembly line structure specifically designed to boost efficiency and enhance responsiveness to client needs. Drawing from data gathered from an actual assembly line dedicated to producing engine harnesses for K9K engines, this study offers a practical and impactful foundation for its proposed optimization strategies. The new assembly structure effectively merges the benefits of a dynamic line—which emphasizes efficient space utilization and flexibility—with the strengths of a rotary line, particularly in light of the increasing complexity associated with harness production. The paper features a mathematical model that calculates cycle times for workstations within this new system architecture, optimizing the entire production process. Moreover, it illustrates how advanced modeling, simulation, and optimization techniques using WITNESS Horizon Version Release 25.0 can identify necessary adjustments for achieving optimal assembly line balance. Additionally, this research addresses pressing environmental concerns by proposing a robust recycling strategy for the scrap produced during wiring harness manufacturing. By advocating for sustainable practices and responsible waste management, the study highlights the importance of minimizing the ecological footprint of the automotive manufacturing process. In summary, this research provides essential insights and practical solutions for optimizing wiring harness logistics flow in the automotive industry. By implementing these strategies, manufacturers can significantly enhance their production capacity, improve operational efficiency, and maintain competitiveness in an ever-evolving market landscape.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/22/10636optimizationsimulationmathematical modelwire harnessassembly lineautomotive industry
spellingShingle Cicerone Laurentiu Popa
Ioana Iorga
Costel Emil Cotet
Ana Maria Ifrim
Constantin-Adrian Popescu
Tiberiu Gabriel Dobrescu
Optimization of Wiring Harness Logistics Flow in the Automotive Industry
Applied Sciences
optimization
simulation
mathematical model
wire harness
assembly line
automotive industry
title Optimization of Wiring Harness Logistics Flow in the Automotive Industry
title_full Optimization of Wiring Harness Logistics Flow in the Automotive Industry
title_fullStr Optimization of Wiring Harness Logistics Flow in the Automotive Industry
title_full_unstemmed Optimization of Wiring Harness Logistics Flow in the Automotive Industry
title_short Optimization of Wiring Harness Logistics Flow in the Automotive Industry
title_sort optimization of wiring harness logistics flow in the automotive industry
topic optimization
simulation
mathematical model
wire harness
assembly line
automotive industry
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/22/10636
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