Simulation-based planning and optimization of assembly processes

Manufacturing enterprises are currently finding themselves in a competitive environment which consists of ever-increasing challenges within different areas. As a result, these companies must shorten development cycles, reduce product costs and enable a quicker market introduction. These time-critical challenges particularly apply to material flow areas such as assembly. In order to enable companies to cope with these challenges, Fraunhofer IPA, in co-operation with BMW AG in Munich, developed the TOP-Montage tool which is specifically designed to suit the needs of planning and optimisation of assembly processes. The focus of the overall tool package is a simulation library for the mapping and analysis of the assembly processes. With the help of this library, the important optimization potentials in the area of material flow and assembly control can be tapped into and evaluated. Findings from current projects are continuously included in order to keep the toolkit up-to-date.