As project manager for Facility Workflow Models, Mr. Kocher developed an animated, graphic simulation model (in ProModel PC) of the Springfield, MA General Mail Facility (GMF). This model was used to evaluate the usefulness of animated simulations in USPS. The Springfield GMF was modeled both in its then current configuration and also in its 1995 (full-up automation) configuration. APMG Allen Kane requested that similar models be used by the Corporate Materials Handling Committee to help them evaluate materials handling concepts. This model became the basis for both of the projects below.
- Utilizing the animated simulation model developed in ProModel PC for Facility Workflow Models (FWM), several alternative layouts and equipment's of the new Kansas City GMF were produced. These Work Flow Models (WFM) assisted the Delivery, Distribution, and Transportation Department in evaluating plans for the new Kansas City GMF.
- WFM was used to model and analyze performance of equipment proposed by the Corporate Materials Handling Committee. Several of these simulation models graphically portrayed the interaction of workers with existing and proposed mail processing equipment. For example, one model showed the job performed by the operators of Mark-II facer/cancelers. This model demonstrated how two Mark-II's could be run by one operator with less actual labor than performed today by two operators. This result was achieved by the installation of automated take-away systems from the stackers to the OCR and BCS.
- In preparation for a major revamping of the material handling systems at the Philadelphia GMF a Work Sampling Study (WSS) was performed. The WSS measured the proportion of labor devoted to 26 different activities within the GMF. This study created a baseline against which to compare a similar study to be completed after the material handling systems are installed.
Integrated Management Systems Simulation
Mr. Kocher was Project manager for Integrated Management Systems Evaluation. This project used FWM to evaluate the proposals made by AT&T, IBM, and Westinghouse for Integrated Management Systems (IMS) to be deployed at USPS. He provided these vendors with assistance in understanding both the evaluation procedure and the work flow through the existing Springfield GMF. When each vendor submitted its proposals, the FWM was modified to incorporate the proposed IMS and to simulate the operation of the GMF with the IMS installed. The simulation results were used to evaluate the efficacy of each IMS proposal.
Transportation Network Simulation
Mr. Kocher was senior systems analyst on the SIMNETT project. SIMNETT is a simulation of the USPS national mail processing and distribution system. SIMNETT is distinguished from META by not making simplifying assumptions. META assumes that all mail processing is performed in one aggregated facility and ignores the transportation and interchange of mail among Sectional Center Facilities (SCF). SIMNETT, in contrast, simulates the processing at every individual SCF and transfers mail volume from SCF to SCF as it happens in the real network. To accomplish this, SIMNETT was linked to ODIS, MODS, and equipment deployment systems. SIMNETT extracted MODS data (mainly flow volumes between operations) to automatically build volume flow models both within and between all SCFs. SIMNETT itself was built by linking parts of META and other DSS developed for non-USPS applications.
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For more information E-Mail or contact us at
G & E Systems, Inc.
250 Edge Hill Road, Sharon, MA 02067-1017
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