Simulation and EVSM-based Lean Line Improvement

Abstract

In today's dual-carbon economy, an increasing number of manufacturing companies are seeking ways to incorporate economic and environmental benefits into their improvement strategies. This has led to the concept of integrating green principles into lean improvement. Value Stream Mapping is a key analytical tool in lean manufacturing. This paper introduces Environmental Value Stream Mapping, which builds on this tool to address the lack of environmental factors in traditional value stream mapping analysis. Additionally, the environmental value stream mapping method is combined with simulation technology to enhance the objectivity of the future value stream mapping process. Using the production process of wear-resistant guide rods in a machinery factory as an example, this study applies the environmental value stream mapping method to identify problems in the production process from the perspectives of time and equipment energy consumption indexes. The study then improves the production line's value-added rate of time from 2.21% to 7.53% and the value-added rate of energy consumption from 43.92% to 58.39% through the implementation of industrial engineering improvement methods and Flexsim simulation technology. The goal of improving the efficiency of the production line while reducing energy consumption and protecting the environment was achieved.