Simulation and analyses of shea nuts (vitallaria paradoxa) processing plant using FlexSim©

Abstract

Manufacturing facilities are systems that require adequate designing, maintenance and reservations for improvement in the future. Layouts need to be effectively designed to reduce operating to the minimum. Computer simulation is a process of investigating and analyzing the behavior of production processes for effective decision-making using computers to generate solutions that will positively impact short, and long-term planning of the Plants and save costs of real-life implementation. This study investigated a 500Kg capacity shea nut processing plant using FlexSim©. The findings from the initial model were not effective and experienced bottlenecks in workstations (Roaster and Milling) sections, poor cycle and lead times coupled with manual labor, Plant efficiency was 35.7%. However, the Improvement Layout Model was able to address these bottlenecks, the results showed the Plant efficiency increased to 83.3%, shorter lead and cycle times, improved machine utilization, and throughput capacity of the Plant. The results were an indication of conformance to the layout design developed to aid in enhancing the traditional shea nut processing that is largely dominated by traditional processing practices.