Modelling, Analysis and Improvement of Mass and Small Batch Production through Advanced Simulation Tools

The application of advanced numerical simulation tools for modelling, analysis and improvement of existing industrial manufacturing cells is presented with reference to the development and implementation of the Digital Factory concept. Two real case studies belonging to different industrial scenarios, i.e. mass and small batch production, are simulated with the aim of improving specified performance measures related to manufacturing cells productivity, such as throughput or throughput time, and utilization of resources. Diverse advanced simulation resources, including 3D Motion and Discrete Event Simulation tools, are jointly applied to support decision making on manufacturing systems reconfiguration and improvement.