Adaptable Simulation Models for Manufacturing

Discrete-event simulation is a powerful tool for solving many problems, especially in manufacturing. Formulating the problem, building the simulation model, running the model, and analyzing the output are the basic steps in a simulation study. Because building a simulation model can be a difficult and time-consuming task, it will be useful if a decision-maker could reuse a simulation model if possible and change it to solve a different problem or evaluate another option. Thus, it is desirable to have adaptable simulation models that are easy to change with little or no programming effort. Using simulation models in real-time scheduling and operational settings also requires adaptable simulation models that can represent the changing shop floor. Also, as a manufacturing system progresses from a concept to a detailed design, and to an installed and operating facility, the simulation model of the system must change. Adaptable simulation models will reduce the time, effort, and cost of using simulation in these types of scenarios. This paper reviews the concepts of adaptability, suggests some measures for adaptable simulation models, and discusses factors that affect adaptability.