A simulation of present production planning and control versus synchronous manufacturing at a naval aviation depot

Remanufacturing is the process of making used equipment like-new again. It is one of the fastest growing segments in the U.S. economy today and has largely been ignored by the academic community. The U.S. military depot system remanufactures everything from simple components to entire aircraft and ships. These depots (and any remanufacturer) must cope with higher complexity than a traditional manufacturing firm. This paper uses two simulation models representing operations at a Naval Aviation Depot. This paper serves two purposes; first, the paper compared Drum-Buffer-Rope (DBR) and the current system of planning and control used at a Naval Aviation Depot, and second, the paper attempts to determine the best buffer size for use within the system. The paper also discusses the modification that must be made to DBR, the uniqueness of the remanufacturing environment, and special system requirements.