Automatic simulation model generation based on PLC codes and MES stored data

One of the most widespread techniques to evaluate various aspects of an existing manufacturing system is discrete-event simulation (DES). However, building a simulation model of a manufacturing system needs great resource expenditures. Automated data collection and model buildup can drastically reduce the time of the design phase as well as support model reusability. Since most of the manufacturing systems are controlled by low level controllers they store structure and control logic of the system to be modeled by a DES system. The paper introduces an ongoing research of PLC code processing method for automatic simulation model generation of a conveyor system of a leading automotive factory.