This paper presents the results of a simulation-based optimization framework implementation in the fashion industry. It also highlights the benefits of the use of simulation together with a finite capacity scheduling optimization model. Production planning and scheduling optimization include of a scenario analysis that compares production KPIs (in terms of average advance, delay, and resource saturation) related to different scenarios. These scenarios include or not one or more types of stochastic events (i.e. rush orders and/or delays in the expected critical components delivery date).
Assembly line balancing and sequencing represent one of the most important challenges widely discussed in the fashion industry. In such an industry quality and craftsmanship are the main Critical Success Factors (CSFs). In this regard, the work aims to present the result of a case study, where a structured framework is used in production planning and scheduling optimization, with the help of a solver and a simulator.
The model is composed of an optimization tool, developed with an open-source solver named OpenSolver and a commercial simulator called AnyLogic. The optimization model has been developed in order to fit different companies’ peculiarities including a combination of weighted parameters chosen by the single company and reflecting its CSFs. As production planning and scheduling optimization software, AnyLogic has been chosen for the possibility to implement different types of simulation approaches and for the easy interface with commercial databases.