BackQuick response and flexibility are necessary for ensuring the competitiveness of an
apparel enterprise in the global
market. Automation and advance manufacturing techniques have been proposed in literature
to solve these problems.
Simulation is a good design aid for the implementation of new systems and innovations in
existing manufacturing lines.
The sewing floor activity is an important aspect of implementing CIM (computer-integrated
manufacturing) in the
enterprise. Analysis of the sewing floor's role in the apparel enterprise is essential.
The primary objective of this research work is to develop a series of SIMAN simulation
programs for existing and
proposed manufacturing systems in an apparel manufacturing enterprise--Dowling Textiles
(McDonough, Georgia).
Simulation models for five existing bundle systems and four existing and proposed modular
manufacturing systems are
developed. A series of animation layouts of the simulation programs has been created to
illustrate the working of the
modules. Methods related to implementing the SIMAN models in the plant have been proposed.
Comparison of bundle
system and modular system and cost-benefit analysis of the two systems have been performed
based on the simulation.
Garment A manufacturing modular system has been chosen and analyzed using IDEF function
and information
modeling methodologies. A database management system has been developed based on the
IDEF1X information mode
to find out the compatibility of IDEF methodology with SIMAN programs. A table of
translation between SIMAN
statements and IFEM dynamics syntax is also resented.