Lean optimization of high speed train body production based on value flow mapping and simulation

Aiming at the insufficient capacity of the train body in B workshop of A company, the questions of extensive production mode, bottleneck process, and imbalance of the production line in B workshop are found using value stream mapping (VSM). Based on the concepts of pull production, “water spider” material distribution, pulsating assembly, production line balance, and 5S management, a workshop improvement scheme is proposed, and then verified by simulation. The simulation results prove that the workshop capacity has increased by 20%, meeting production requirements. This article expands lean production from train body assembly to the production of train body parts and realizes the lean optimization of the train body production workshop from the perspective of perfecting the entire train body manufacturing value stream.