Integration of factory planning and ERP/MES systems: Adaptive simulation models

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the approach of a scalable, flexible and adaptive simulation model used in factory planning on the basis of existing ERP and MES data. The dynamic simulation model was developed to validate and verify the changes of the production yield during factory planning and restructuring in the shop floor. This includes machinery relocation and ramp-up, new product phase-in, product portfolio changes and new product qualification processes. The objective is to enable an industrial engineer without simulation knowledge and experience to perform the simulations. Moreover, the model facilitates an analysis of the results for different scenarios, using the actual data from the ERP and MES systems.