Node Design

Each node in a supply network has its own characteristics. Node Design is about designing the internal structure of a node. If the node is a factory, then node design is equal to factory layout and factory plannning. Node design determines the internal structure of a node such that it performs its function within the supply network with maximum efficiency.

Typical problems of node design in a factory are

layout planning,
assembly line balancing,
flow line buffer optimization, and
design of a flexible manufacturing system (FMS) .

In practice there is only limited use of mathematical planning models and software. In many cases only simulation is applied. Only for special cases software is available.

» See also: Design of Flow Lines
» See also: Design of Flexible Manufacturing Systems

Further Information:

More about Assembly Line Balancing is available here.

POM Flowline Optimizer - A software system for the design of flow lines with limited buffers. More information here.