IMECE2010-39147 PUSH–BUTTON DISCRETE EVENT SIMULATION FOR ANALYSIS OF FACTORY FLOOR OPERATIONS

In manufacturing, Discrete Event Simulation (DES) can be effectively used to model production and provide sustainabil-ity analysis of equipment and system operation by measuring throughput, capacity, and bottlenecks. DES allows analysis un-der different scenarios and conditions that can then be used to forecast more optimal system performance. For discrete parts production, DES is rarely used because of the difficulty in at-taining timely and accurate statistical modeling of the equipment and process operation. In this paper we look at the use of the plant floor interoperability standard, MTConnect, as a means to improve the access to machine tool data. Given data access, we develop a Finite State Model in order to streamline Machine Tool and DES integration. A case study of a prototype Capac-ity Planning system using DES as a modeling back–end will be described to help in understanding resource allocation of shop floor machines to a batch of aerospace parts. Direct machine tool statistical parameterization into a Web-based DES leads to “Push–button ” automated simulations