Enhancing simulation software for use in manufacturing

Abstract

The design of manufacturing systems is a complex and expensive task for both SMEs and large organisations alike. Many problems relating to the design and operation of manufacturing systems are too complex to allow for mathematical treatment, and as a result there is increasing recognition of the applicability of simulation in the manufacturing environment. This has in turn resulted in a growth in simulation software products available in the marketplace, and manufacturers of such products are naturally keen to extol the virtues of what they sell. In a rapidly changing workplace, there is some suggestion that simulation tools may not have developed to deal with the new demands, and so it is timely to review what is on offer. This paper presents the results of a survey of European simulation specialists, both working in industry and in an academic environment, on the use of simulation software. The main purpose of this survey was to determine how satisfied users are with simulation software and to highlight the most positive and negative features. The findings offer an insight into current software, and how this can be further enhanced.

POD: The structure of simulation software and model reuse

“…Simulation enables engineers to understand the complexity of the system being developed and at the same time to examine how the strategic decisions would influence the overall performance of this system (Baldwin et al 2000). Acquiring knowledge about the relationship between variables in complex systems is most likely the main reason for using simulation today (Robinson et al 2004).…”

Application of a Hydraulic Actuator With Solenoid Valves for a Speed Control System

“…Due to the complexity, and dynamic and random behavior of many control, manufacturing systems, or other engineering systems, it has become an urgent necessity before carrying out design work. To conduct a thorough study similar to the system to be manufactured and to do experiments that are done through computer programs for simulation and as a result reach the requirements (Baldwin et al 2000). Many areas could be as a place for applications of simulation, such as natural resources, manufacturing processes, health care, military industrials, computer system analysis, means of transportation, reverse engineering, and more.…”

Digital manufacturing: History, perspectives, and outlook

“…Computer simulation has become one of the most widely used techniques in manufacturing systems design, enabling decision makers and engineers to investigate the complexity of their systems and the way that changes in the system's configuration or in the operational policies may affect the performance of the system or organization [22].…”