An Integrated Material Handling System for Volvo Truck Assembly Plant

Collaborators

Supported by Australian Research Council,
VOLVO Truck Australia

(pdf 205kB)

Brief

Problem
A more comprehensive analytical framework is developed to examine the relative merits of alternative material handling and inventory strategies for a truck assembly plant.

Solution Approach
The model is based on extensions of the Vehicle Routing Problem. Solutions to the model have been obtained by heuristics and meta-heuristics.

Product
Microsoft Access based user interface integrated with Microsoft Visual Basic

Significance
The model can be used to minimise handling associated with the delivery of units from the warehouse to the assembly line and from the unpacking area to the warehouse. The model is also designed to look at arrangements of the storage areas to increase the efficiency of material management. The historical demand data of the plant are used to simulate and analyse the different strategies to statistically determine the best material handing and inventory strategies for the truck assembly plant.