System Simulation Modeling: a Case Study Illustration of the Model Development Life Cycle

Systems simulation modeling techniques offer a method of representing the individual elements of a manufacturing system and their interactions. By developing and experimenting with simulation models, one can obtain a better understanding of the overall physical system. Forest products industries are beginning to understand the importance of simulation modeling to help improve the dynamic performance of their processing and manufacturing systems. However, much knowledge and expertise are needed to accurately represent an actual forest products processing system as a simulation model. The purpose of this paper is to describe some effective process simulation model development strategies. This description points to the depth and breadth of knowledge that are needed to create usable and valid simulation models. To assist in illustrating the simulation modeling life cycle, actual case studies in modeling furniture rough mills are used.