Evaluación y Automatización del Proceso de Paletizado de empaques de Cemento para la optimización de Indicadores de Desempeño mediante simulación computacional

Abstract

Abstract: This research focuses on optimizing the dispatch line in a cement plant by automating the palletizing process, effectively mitigating a manual bottleneck that accounts for up to 52% of unproductive downtime. Utilizing Discrete Event Simulation (DES) and FlexSim software, a Digital Twin was developed to compare the current scenario against a proposed integration of a six-axis industrial robotic arm. The results demonstrate that automation reduces blocking time to less than 5%, enabling a 25% increase in throughput—reaching 300 pallets per shift— and increasing machinery availability to over 85%. From a financial perspective, the project requires a 94,000 USD investment, balanced by annual operating savings of 42,760 USD. This confirms the economic viability of the proposal with a Payback Period of 2.19 years, showcasing the effectiveness of Industry 4.0 technologies in enhancing operational efficiency and productive profitability.