UNDERSTANDING HOW DISCRETE EVENT SIMULATION CAN SUPPORT DECISION MAKING IN MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS

摘要

This paper describes results of exploratory interviews which capture evidence on how automotive manufacturing decisions can be supported by Discrete Event Simulation (DES) methods and tools. The findings are part of a research project which explores enhanced means of enabling DES modelling and experimentation. Simulation practitioners with different levels of expertise were interviewed regarding their personal approach to modelling manufacturing systems. Findings explain how a) DES can usefully support decisions, b) simulation practitioners can build upon existing understandings about manufacturing systems, c) manufacturing system models can be implemented, verified and validated d) related experimentation can be carried out. Observed characteristics of current industry practice reported are believed to add to knowledge about DES industrial practice.