Multi-Purpose Modelling of Production Processes for Integrated Shop Floor Control

Efficient, configurable shop floor control based on a model built from generic building blocks is crucial for companies operating in today's dynamic environment. Simulation systems have a strong potential to provide a user-friendly, powerful modelling framework, when complemented by interfaces to other information technology (IT) modules. The paper will describe the requirements and the various ways in which such a model can be used in an integrated shop floor control system, ranging from visualisation of the process to realistic evaluations of production plan proposals. To portray the most important information efficiently and facilitate the modelling process, two views of the production system should be provided: process view focusing on state and transition of objects and physical view, focusing on geometries and location.