Simulation can be used in industrial field allowing the system`s behavior to be learnt and tested. Simulation provides a low cost, secure and fast analysis tool. It also provides benefits, which can be reached with many different system configurations. Topics to be discussed include: Applications, Modeling, Validating, Software and benefits of simulation.

Simulation allows experimentation with a model of a system. Without a model, you either experiment with a real system (if it exists) – probably causing major disruptions – or proceed without such experimentation and analysis – at some potential risk. Simulation allows the identification of problems, bottlenecks and design shortfalls before building or modifying a system. It allows comparison of many alternative designs and rules of operation. Evaluation and comparisons can take place before committing resources and investment to a project.

Simulation is particularly valuable in operations where a mix of products share resources, and it is difficult to “get your head around” all the things that are happening asynchronously, even in an operation with only moderate complexity.

Most APS systems developed in the 1980’s and 1990’s are based on rules and simulations since they are easy to develop and do not require too much computation, hence they are fast. But the schedules that they produce are not able to improve KPIs very much. There is a much better alternative today. Want to know more?