# Strategic Plant Redesign in the Glass Industry: A Case Study Applying SLP and Discrete Simulation
## 2 Methodology
### General Characteristics of the Company
#### 2.2.3 Product Identification and Description  
This section provides a detailed description of the company's main products, such as bevelled mirrors, dining table glass and polished mirrors. Based on an analysis of their manufacturing processes, the key stages are documented, from the selection and cutting of the glass to the final finishes such as bevelling, cutting and grinding. This approach provides an understanding of the distinctive characteristics of each product and the techniques used to ensure its quality and aesthetics, providing a solid basis for identifying opportunities for improvement in production processes. Detailing each type of product, for example, for the manufacture of bevelled mirrors, is a process involving several key stages, each of which contributes to the final aesthetic result. These mirrors are distinguished by their angled edges. In the cutting stage, the glass is cut to the exact dimensions required for the mirror. This is done with absolute precision on a specialised cutting table. After cutting, the edges of the glass are bevelled. This is carried out on a bevelling machine, which polishes the edges to the desired angle and width. In addition to improving aesthetics, this process eliminates any roughness, reducing the risk of cuts when handling the mirror. As a culminating stage, both the vitreous surface and the bevelled edges are polished. The polisher and discs are used to remove any residual bevelling marks and to achieve a smooth, shiny finish. Now, for the dining glass product, an essential component in glass dining tables involves a detailed process that ensures both the aesthetics and functionality of the final product. The process begins with cutting the glass to the dimensions required for the dining table. This stage is critical to ensure that the glass fits perfectly into the frame or base intended for it:  
* Glass selection: Glass of the appropriate quality and thickness is chosen, capable of withstanding everyday weight and use. * Measuring and marking: The exact dimensions of the glass are carefully marked on the glass surface, using precise measuring tools and glass markers. * Cutting: A specialised glass cutting tool is used, following the marked lines, to make a clean and precise cut. Once the cutting is finished, the polishing stage begins, which uses two machines called \"octopus\" to smooth the cut edges, eliminating any irregularities or roughness. After the polishing process is completed, the glass is then carved and decorative designs or textures are added to the surface of the glass, which can be customised according to the customer's specific requirements or pre-determined design:  
* A design is selected or created for carving, which can range from simple patterns to complex and detailed motifs. * Using specialised tools, the design is meticulously carved onto the surface of the glass. After carving, the glass undergoes a grinding process, which consists of lightly abrading the surface of the glass with a grinding cabin. This technique creates a satin or matte effect on certain areas of the glass, highlighting the carved details and creating an attractive visual contrast. As with the polished mirror, the process begins by selecting a sheet of glass of the appropriate quality and thickness for the mirror to be created. This sheet of glass will serve as the base of the mirror. Precision cutting is crucial to obtain the exact dimensions required for the specific project or to fit the specifications:  
* Measuring and marking: Special glass rulers and markers are used to mark the cutting lines according to the desired dimensions. * Cutting: On the cutting table, the marked lines are followed to cut the glass. Uniform pressure is applied along the cutting line to facilitate a clean separation of the material. After cutting the glass to the required size, polishing the edges follows.