Tecnomatix delivers efficient and optimal production planning for new model cars

WEST-RU Case Study Overview:

Advanced simulation tools enable WEST-RU, provider of engineering services and turnkey solutions to the automotive industry, to deliver efficient and optimal production planning for new car models.

The Opportunity:

In 2012, WEST-RU won an order from Ford Sollers to develop an optimal body-in-white (BIW) shop layout taking into account a variety of equipment and positions. The customer wanted to align all shop floor process flows and provide the expected capacity while making three different Ford models, all while utilizing the available equipment from a previous production project. Ford Sollers is a joint venture of Ford Motors and the Russian company Sollers, which is located in Yelabuga (Tatarstan Republic).

The Execution:

The Ford Sollers project particularly utilized the Plant Simulation solution in the Siemens Tecnomatix portfolio (integrated digital manufacturing solutions covering production planning, from process development to verification, modeling, 3D simulation, and optimization). The Ford Sollers project began with the simulation of a buffer in the BIW shop and then was expanded to include the entire plant. Plant Simulation was used to develop a model and simulate the entire production process, including expected production output, ways to boost capacity, solutions to potential bottlenecks, and more.

The Results:

Using Plant Simulation, issues were quickly identified and resolved in both projects, with the production schedules, proposed layouts, launch, documents and other items shown to be viable.

All plant production cells verified virtually

The software’s wide range of analytical tools, statistical models and diagrams helps users to quickly evaluate various production options, which can significantly reduce development time and project implementation risks.