Input Data Requirement for Manufacturing Simulation Model

[Jenny Socko]

Hello, I am new to simulation. We have a system that consists of two identical machining lines. There are a series of operations performed in each machining line. Parts are transferred between operations on conveyors. I need to build a simulation model. What all data would I need?

[rlote]

You would need cycle times of operations, transfer times, and buffer sizes. The independent parameters include shift schedules, preventive maintenance schedules and unscheduled breakdowns across all operations. However, this is by no means the complete list. Additional data requirement, if any, would depend on the objective of your simulation model.

[rwilcox]

The above data items are all vital as indicated by RLote; others I expect you will need are conveyor speeds and capacities, whether the conveyors are accumulating or non-accumulating, and operational logic (e.g., do different part types transfer in different ways or at different points of the line; do some parts get scrapped; etc.)

[hoangdung]

Arena is the best sumulation software!
i think it is useful for you.

[ewilliams]

I respectfully disagree with the statement "Arena is the best simulation software" when that statement is made flatly without reference to context. Some important contexts in a real-world simulation project are: (a) how much money can be spent on the software? (b) how important is modeling power? (c) how important is ease-of-use [there is typically a trade-off between (b) and (c)] (d) how important is high-quality 3D animation? (e) is the system to be modeled fundamentally a push or a pull system? (f) must material-handling equipment be modeled in detail? (g) must the simulation software chosen for use handle input data analysis and output analysis of results itself, or is a separate statistical package available? (h) is it important that the software chosen be one an available analyst has familiarity with from university studies? (i) must conveyors be modeled in detail? Etc. There are no doubt many more "et ceteras" that other posters can contribute!

[hoangdung]

Ok, i agree with you EWILLIAMS, but Arena is not bad in this case.
Could you tell me another simulation software which is better than Arena.

Thanks and best regards!

[ewilliams]

ProModel is an excellent choice when AGVs, forklifts, or other AGV equipment must be modeled running along prescribed routes -- it has an excellent, convenient network-definition structure. ED [Enterprise Dynamics] is superb for 3D animation and for the power user who wishes to, and is capable of, building his or her own "atoms" (as ED calls them) to add to those which come with the software. SIMUL8, which is economical and easy to learn, is very good for introducing simulation as a previously unused technology into a company whose management is initially skeptical and wishes a low-cost investigatory investment alternative (low-cost in terms both of dollar cost and time-to-learn cost). AutoMod is excellent for complex conveyor systems; this software understands facility geometry and has superb back-end statistical analysis capabilities for the output (hence it is an appealing choice for the person who does not have a statistical package readily at hand. WITNESS is an excellent choice for modeling systems infused with "pull" (versus "push") logic, because many WITNESS constructs are based on that "worldview." AnyLogic is superb for modeling pedestrian traffic (e.g., how quickly could the stadium be evacuated in an emergency?). Among all these softwares, Arena and ProModel are the only two I'm aware of which have real, honest-to-goodness, full-fledged textbooks for convenient university teaching use. No doubt other experienced people (I've been simulating for 30 years, and have the wrinkles to prove it) could add many further thought-tidbits. Best regards, E Williams

[elammers]

A very helpful and descriptive comparison, EWilliams. Each of the above mentioned software packages have their own individual strengths, and when it comes to making a final decision, it is important to understand which features are most important to the user. It would be interesting to find out the selection process that universities go through when choosing which software to buy. To my knowledge, Arena, ProModel, and SIMUL8 are among the most common packages used at universities in the USA (I was taught Arena). There are a few good SIMUL8 books out there: "Simulation Modeling with SIMUL8", "Learning SIMUL8", and "SIMUL8 User Manual".

[hoangdung]

Dear Elammers!

Do you have any ebook of Arena?

Thanks and best regards!

[elammers]

"Simulation with Arena (4th Edition)" by Kelton, Sadowski, & Sturrock is available only as a hardcopy. This is the book EWilliams and others use to teach at UM-Dearborn (and is what I learned from). You can see an online preview of the 3rd Edition here: http://www.amazon.com/Simulation-Arena-CD-Rom-David-Kelton/dp/0072919817/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/002-5511307-1332018?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1192814001&sr=1-2