Simulation Methods for Changeable Manufacturing

Computer simulation presents an excellent tool for visualizing, understating, and analyzing the dynamics of manufacturing systems and thus assisting in the decision making process. Manufacturing systems experience structural changes during their operational life span resulting from adding new system components, replacing or retiring old components to react to changes in products, technology or markets. Current simulation methodologies neither support the changeable nature of manufacturing systems nor the change in model parameters during simulation.Simulation models and methods used for manufacturing systems are reviewed and evaluated for their suitability to changeable manufacturing systems. Future challenges and requirements are highlighted.