Yorkshire & Humber firms use computer modelling to find opportunities for trimming costs and boosting quality & efficiency

3-D computer simulation enables managers to re-position plant, equipment and storage to see if different layouts will eliminate bottlenecks - without having to move heavy machines and lose production

Small and medium-sized manufacturing companies in the UK's Yorkshire and Humber region are using free, expert advice plus 3-D computer modelling to uncover ways of bringing down costs, increasing operating efficiency and improving product quality.

Supported by Yorkshire Forward and Objective 1, the Joining Forces Yorkshire and Humber Technology Transfer Programme - run by TWI from its technical centre in Sheffield - is giving small firms the opportunity to have their manufacturing practices systematically reviewed so that potential improvements can be quickly identified. The service is impartial, confidential and entirely free of charge.

Operation of a company's manufacturing system can be evaluated by means of a computer-generated model which utilises Discrete Event Simulation for monitoring processes such as stamping, drilling or welding as they progress through time. This three-dimensional replica of the production environment enables rapid analysis of, for example, where changes in material flow will give increased productivity.

Computer simulation can be applied to the company's entire manufacturing facility or to one specific activity. It enables managers to re-position plant, equipment and storage to see if different layouts will eliminate bottlenecks - without having to move heavy machines and lose production.

Further information on the activities and benefits of the Joining Forces Yorkshire and Humber Technology Transfer Programme for small and medium-sized companies is available from Richard Smith at TWI's Yorkshire Technology Centre on 0114 269 9046 or richard.smith@twi.co.uk