Optimization of manufacturing workflow, stock and inventory control

Abstract

Aveng Manufacturing Duraset Company, a division of the Aveng Group is located in Alberton, South Africa. Aveng Manufacturing Duraset specializes in the manufacturing of support (reinforcement) and suspension products mainly used within the mining industry, worldwide. Some of these products include: Rock Studs, Rock Bolts, Rope Eye Bolts and Pigtails each with their sub section of components. Safety is a major factor in the success of Aveng Manufacturing Duraset. This project will aim to smooth the general workflow of raw materials and products throughout the manufacturing process and also the general control and allocation of stock and inventory with, if time allows it, a simulation model for a recommendation of a new and improved manufacturing system would be included. This will be achieved by using the various relevant Industrial Engineering methods, tools and problem solving techniques gathered and learned in the BEng Industrial Degree thus far. This report will show the author’s recommendation to the current problems at Duraset Manufacturing. System improvements, whether it is the decrease of idle times, increase in productivity and output of finished products, by eliminating bottlenecks and implementing new technology, simple, basic designs and equipment, even the control of finished products, good housekeeping and accurate stock data in whichever way possible, that should provide Aveng Manufacturing Duraset with one of many solutions.