{"id":10067,"date":"2024-06-03T14:29:16","date_gmt":"2024-06-03T18:29:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/tecnomatix\/?p=10067"},"modified":"2026-03-26T07:09:32","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T11:09:32","slug":"plant-simulation-medical-device","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/tecnomatix\/plant-simulation-medical-device\/","title":{"rendered":"+25 to 35% intralogistics improvement: Eye-opening simulation and analysis of manual vs. automated intralogistics and ASRS integration through Plant Simulation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n


Exploring automation in autoinjector manufacturing: A comparative analysis for medical device production<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

SHL Medical; Lu Yi-Chi and Luigi Fumagalli<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Medical device manufacturing processes have undergone significant transformations, particularly in the realm of automation. At the 2024 Plant Simulation User Conference, we delve into a comparative analysis of manual versus automated intralogistics and automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) <\/strong>integration through Plant Simulation, shedding light on the transformative journey within autoinjector manufacturing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brief introduction to SHL Medical<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Medical\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button>
Medical device production building; SHL-Medical<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Founded with a noble ambition to improve the lives of patients reliant on self-injection solutions, SHL Medical pioneers advancements that foster patient independence and elevate their healthcare experience. Through partnerships with leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies, we deliver high-quality products and reliable platforms, empowering millions of patients annually and catalyzing positive change within the medical device and healthcare ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What we do<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At SHL Medical, we specialize in the design, development, and manufacturing of self-injection solutions, offering a comprehensive suite of services from design to build and contract manufacturing. Our portfolio includes autoinjectors, pen injectors, and innovative specialty delivery systems tailored for large-volume and high-viscosity formulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Yi-Chi<\/td>\"Luigi<\/td><\/tr>
Yi-Chi Lu is a Senior Process Engineer at SHL Medical, leading efforts in production strategies and estimations for the US site factory. Ms. Lu specializes in machine capacity assessments and manufacturing process optimization. With a background in data science, process operations, and manufacturing process improvement, she previously served as a graduate research assistant, focusing on predictive modeling and data analysis. Ms. Lu holds a Master\u2019s degree in Transportation and Highway Engineering from the University of Maryland (MD, US).<\/td>Luigi Fumagalli is a Senior Simulation Engineer at SHL Medical, leading the development of SHL\u2019s factory simulation capabilities. He supports the company\u2019s global expansion and factory optimization strategies with advanced plant models, manufacturing processes, and operations simulations.
Prior to joining SHL Medical, Luigi accrued 5 years of experience as a Lead Manufacturing Specialist in the Aerospace sector. In this role, he focused on optimizing processes through the development of discrete event simulation models and process digitalization. Luigi holds a master\u2019s degree in aerospace engineering from the Polytechnic University of Turin (Italy).<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
Medical device manufacturing: A comparative analysis of manual vs. automated intralogistics and ASRS integration through Plant Simulation in the medical device industry” by Yi-Chi Lu and Luigi Fumagalli from SHL Medical<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Background and objective<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The transition from manual processes to automation in medical device autoinjector manufacturing presents a paradigm shift with profound operational implications. Our study, utilizing Tecnomatix Plant Simulation, aims to showcase the enhancements in production efficiency, inventory control, and overall process integration achieved through automation in medical device manufacturing. With a focus on optimized operational strategy, our objective is to provide a comparative analysis and actionable insights into integrating automation to enhance operational performance across key areas in medical device production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Medical device manufacturing of self-injection solutions<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Addressing complexity challenges with Plant Simulation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Navigating the complexities of automation implementation necessitates overcoming several challenges. From data dependency and supplier collaboration to integration trials, each hurdle poses unique obstacles. However, Tecnomatix Plant Simulation emerges as a potent solution, enabling data adaptation, guiding suppliers with precise requirements, and minimizing costly trial-and-error processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Simulation model development<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Central to our analysis is the development of a robust simulation model that encapsulates production data, layout design, operation flow, and intralogistics strategy. By meticulously crafting a virtual representation of manufacturing operations, we gain invaluable insights into the dynamics of manual and automated production stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Analysis of results<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our analysis delves into two key aspects: operation evaluation and performance comparison. By meticulously evaluating requirements, testing solutions, and implementing optimization adjustments, we unveil the tangible benefits of automation. From significant headcount savings to enhanced operation efficiency and intralogistics improvements, the data underscores the transformative impact of automation in autoinjector manufacturing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Medical\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button>
Medical device labeling of self-injection solutions<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Analysis of results: Performance comparison<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This segment delves into a comparative analysis between the manual and automated production stages, emphasizing the transformative changes achieved through automation and subsequent optimization adjustments. Utilizing plant simulation software as a powerful tool, the data presented below holds significance for the transition to automated systems, aiding in strategic decision-making and investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n