Software planning of assembly lines

The article introduces eM-Assembly, one of the new generic computer aided production engineering solutions from Tecnomatix. The solution incorporates a number of modules to plan, optimise and apply discrete event simulation to the layout and sequence of assembly lines. The physical mating of parts may be continuously simulated in another module and any collisions detected. The use of the eM-Plant module to assist a Japanese camera manufacturer in planning a new assembly line is discussed and the benefits achieved in improving throughput and saving on capital highlighted. Brief details are also given of achievements by two other users.