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Production Simulation Report

Valencia Dedolchow

FAU

MAN6501

Karen Dye

October 25, 2024.

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Production Simulation Report

Introduction

The production simulation exercise provides a special chance to interact directly with the

intricacies of operational management (OM). In addition to highlighting the significance of

process design, this example shows how strategic choices can have a big impact on productivity

and profitability in a manufacturing setting. I will describe the planning, production, and post-

production analysis phases in this report, emphasizing the decisions taken and how they affected

the operation's overall success. The main goal of this exercise was to efficiently manage

resources while producing a particular product out of construction paper. The knowledge

gathered from this simulation helps to clarify how different aspects of operational management,

such as labor choices, resource allocation, and quality control, interact with one another.

Preparation Stage

Understanding the Product Specifications

Examining the product specs listed in the Production Specification Sheet was the first

step in the process. The final output was a "T-shaped" design made up of a rectangle and a

trapezoid. The measurements were crucial because the product would be faulty if they deviated

more than the permitted tolerance of one-eighth of an inch. This knowledge played a crucial role

in forming the preparedness plan. I understood that careful material selection and precise cutting

would be crucial given the requirement to strictly follow the standards. The product's design

called for a number of components that could be cut from construction paper sheets, potentially

optimizing material use.

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Resource Acquisition Decisions

The next step was to figure out how many construction paper sheets to buy. Since each

sheet cost $800, it was necessary to take a calculated strategy to cut expenses because a single

sheet might be used to create numerous sections. I decided that buying five sheets of 6"x9" paper

would be adequate after looking over the product specifications and figuring out how many parts

would be needed. This choice sought to balance cutting down on wasteful spending with having

enough material to satisfy production targets. The $4000 total cost of the materials was a

substantial investment. Since this choice would have a direct effect on profitability, it was

essential to comprehend its financial ramifications. It became evident that I needed to make at

least twenty pieces in order to pay for the materials, as each high-quality result could fetch $200.

Therefore, maximizing output while making sure the final items fulfilled quality standards was

the difficulty.

Labor Considerations

Whether to hire more employees was another crucial choice. I started by thinking about

the possible advantages of working with others to boost manufacturing capacity. But I decided to

work alone because of my prior experiences. Efficiency can be increased by smaller procedures

since they frequently result in simplified communication and less complexity. I was able to save

$3000 in labor expenses by not employing, which freed up more funds for materials and allowed

me to concentrate fully on the production process. Working independently also gave the freedom

to quickly adjust to obstacles that arose during the production phase without having to

collaborate with other team members.

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Production Stage

After finishing the preparation step, I moved on to the production stage, simulating a real-

world production situation by setting a timer for twenty minutes. This time restriction created a

sense of urgency and brought attention to how crucial manufacturing process efficiency is. The

initial step was to measure and cut the product's necessary elements. I carefully measured out the

trapezoid and rectangle's measurements using a ruler. Since any variation from the set tolerances

would result in damaged products, precision was crucial. Careful attention to detail was

necessary during the cutting process to guarantee that every component was precisely made to fit

together perfectly.

I then put the pieces together once they were cut. Making sure the trapezoid and rectangle

lined up properly to create the desired "T" shape required gluing them together. The significance

of quality control was highlighted at this point of production; following assembly, I quickly

checked to make sure the measurements matched the requirements. Units that failed to meet

acceptable tolerances were reserved for further processing. I managed to generate twenty-five

nice items in the twenty-minute manufacturing window. A well-organized production process

directly led to this result. A considerable number of pieces were finished in the allotted time

thanks to the careful cutting, effective assembly, and strict quality control. Achieving this level

of performance required the capacity to stay focused and streamline processes.

Post-Production Analysis

To assess the operation's profitability after the production phase, a financial analysis was

necessary. A total of 25 pieces were sold for $200 each, bringing in a total of $5000 in earnings

from the sale of the products. To determine overall profitability, this revenue had to be compared
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to the production costs. The $4000 in material costs and the choice to forego labor expenditures

were included in the total cost. As a result, $4000 was spent in total. I computed the difference

between total revenue and total costs to find the profit. The operation's success was evident from

the $1000 profit that was made. This profit is a reflection of both the production process's

efficiency and the efficient use of resources. A major factor in overall profitability was the

choice to maximize material utilization while minimizing human expenditures. It illustrated how

wise resource allocation decisions can provide profitable results.

Visual Documentation

In order to bolster the analysis, I took pictures of the production process. All twenty-five

units were neatly organized in one image, giving a clear visual depiction of the entire output.

Other images displayed individual units with a ruler, showing measurements in both horizontal

and vertical directions. This visual record demonstrated the accuracy required in the production

process and validated the adherence to product requirements.

Personal Reflections on the Experience

This production simulation exercise was more than just an academic assignment; it gave

participants a deep understanding of operational management reality. The choices taken in the

preparatory phase had a significant impact on the production phase's results. It became clear that

careful consideration of labor choices and resource management may greatly increase the

operation's productivity and profitability. The significance of quality control surfaced as a

recurrent subject during the process. The idea that upholding high standards is crucial in every

industrial environment was reaffirmed by the thorough inspection of every unit. The operation's
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entire success was eventually attributed to the willingness to set aside defective products for

reworking, which made sure that only high-quality goods were offered for sale. The importance

of flexibility in production environments was further highlighted by the experience. Quick

decision-making and responsiveness to issues that emerged throughout the manufacturing phase

were made possible by working alone. This flexibility was helpful in preserving a consistent

workflow and accomplishing the initial production targets of the exercise.

Conclusion

The production simulation exercise, however, was a great learning opportunity for

comprehending the crucial part that operational management plays in process design. The

exercise's insights highlight the complex interrelationships of resource allocation, strategic

decision-making, and total profitability. The fundamentals of efficient process design and the

direct influence of operational decisions on performance are reinforced by the successful

completion of this simulation. Thinking back on this experience, it is evident that success in any

manufacturing setting requires meticulous preparation and execution. Future research as well as

practical applications will surely benefit from the lessons learned. The significance of

operational management concepts has been emphasized by this exercise, which also shows how

to use them to accomplish goals in practical situations. In the end, the simulation improved my

comprehension of operational management theory while also giving me useful abilities and

insights that would be extremely helpful in overcoming obstacles in the future. The event

reinforced the value of strategic thinking in the field of operational management by serving as a

reminder that choices made at every level of the production process can have a substantial

impact on productivity, quality, and profitability.