Software Support for Optimizing Layout Solution in Lean Production

As progressive managerial styles, the techniques based on "lean thinking" are being increasingly promoted. They are focused on applying lean production concepts to all phases of product lifecycle and also to business environment. This innovative approach strives to eliminate any wasting of resources and shortens the time to respond to customer requirements, including redesigning the structure of the organization' supply chain. A lean organization is created mainly by employees, their creative potential, knowledge, self-realization and motivation for continuous improvement of the processes and the production systems. A set of tools, techniques and methods of lean production is basically always very similar. Only a form of their presentation or classification into individual phases of the product lifecycle may differ. The authors present the results of their research from the designing phases of production systems to optimize their dispositional solution with software support and 3D simulation and visualization. Modelling is based on use of Tecnomatix's and Photomodeler's progressive software tools and a dynamic model for capacitive dimensioning of more intelligent production systems.