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1991
Conference Paper
Titel
Efficient modeling and simulation of logistic processes with an object-oriented system
Alternative
Effiziente Modellierung und Simulation logistischer Prozesse mit einem objekt-orientierten System
Abstract
Exact planning of complex manufacturing and logistic systems is necessary due to the immense cost, and thus risk of investing in automated systems. However, the actual performance of such complex manufacturing systems cannot be determined by manual planning methods. Simulation systems are well-known planning aids for predicting system performance and supporting investment decisions. There is a trade-off in such systems, however, between ease-of-use and power of flexibility. A new generation simulation system must maximize both of these features. The user interface is an important part of such a simulation system. Planners need to be able to associate their model with the real system. The ideal simulation system must incorporate: object-orientation, a limited set of building-blocks, flexible and rals-world oriented control strategies, dynamic data exchange with other planning tools. The logistics simulator SIMPLE was developed at the IPA in Stuttgart to meet these goals. SIMPLE uses a l imited set of components, such as conveyors and machines, with which the planner simulates his factory. Control strategies are specified with the decision table editor. Manural input is still required, but an IPA prototype has demonstrated simulation using factory floor data. Therefore, the next steps will be: Data collection from databases, extending the simulator for shop.floor control this will not only help to improve logistic systems during planning, but supervise actual production.