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The Arena Product Family: Enterprise Modeling
Solutions
Vivek Bapat and Nancy Swets (Rockwell Software)
Abstract:
It is absolutely essential for a business to have the
ability to plan for the future, whether it is a short-term goal or a long-term
capital expenditure. Simulation plays an important role in planning for many
large and small companies. The key factor, which helps to make simulation a
strong planning tool, is the fact that it can save a business thousands if not
millions of dollars by providing a virtual glimpse into the future.
AutoMod Tutorial
Matthew W. Rohrer
(AutoSimulations, a Brooks Automation Company)
Abstract:
Whether designing a new system or modifying an existing
one, engineers want to take the guesswork out of finding the best possible
solution. While there are many analysis methods for designing industrial
systems, simulation remains the method that gives the highest level of
confidence a system will work. A well-written simulation model can be a
valuable tool in the design, analysis, and operation of manufacturing and
other complex systems. The AutoMod™ Product Suite from AutoSimulations has
been used on 1000s of projects to help engineers and managers make the best
decisions possible. AutoMod combines the ease of use of a simulator-type tool
with the power and flexibility of a simulation language. As shown in Figure 1,
3-D graphics have been an integral part of the AutoMod product since its
inception in 1984.
GPSS/H: A 23-Year Retrospective
View
James O. Henriksen and Robert C. Crain (Wolverine Software
Corporation)
Abstract:
GPSS/H was first placed into commercial service in
November, 1977. Over the ensuing 23 years, it has become well known for its
speed and dependability. In GPSS/H, the process-interaction world view has
been combined with many advanced features to make an extremely powerful and
flexible tool, capable of handling large, complicated models with ease, yet
still providing exceptionally high performance. The sections that follow
provide an overview of GPSS/H and its process-interaction world view, a
discussion of model-building interfaces including tradeoffs associated with
graphical modeling environments, and a summary of advanced and recently-added
GPSS/H features. Finally, the use of special-purpose simulators is discussed,
along with features of GPSS/H which make it very well-suited for use as the
engine in such simulators. This paper provides a retrospective look at the
history of GPSS/H.
SLX: The X is for Extensibility
James
O. Henriksen (Wolverine Software Corporation)
Abstract:
SLX, Simulation Language with Extensibility, is the
newest member in Wolverine Software’s family of simulation and animation
software. SLX features unique extensibility mechanisms that allow users to
tailor and extend SLX’s modeling capabilities. There are two advantages to
extensibility. First, it ensures virtually unlimited adaptability. You’ll
never get "stuck" with a problem you can’t solve with SLX. Second,
extensibility allows packaging the use of highly efficient, low-level
primitives in such a way that cumbersome details are hidden. Problems are
described using nouns and verbs appropriate to the application. The tools
provided for extending SLX include many of the tools used to develop SLX
itself; however, these tools are by no means intended to be used exclusively
by language developers. They are "user-level" tools that can be mastered by
anyone. This paper presents an overview of SLX. Earlier papers (Henriksen
1997, 1998) presented the development of a conveyor modeling package in SLX,
and example of how SLX has been coupled with other software, respectively.
Simulation Modeling and Optimization Using
ProModel
Charles R. Harrell (Brigham Young University) and Rochelle
N. Price (PROMODEL Corporation)
Abstract:
The ProModel Optimization Suite is a powerful yet
easy-to-use simulation tool for modeling all types of manufacturing systems
ranging from small job shops and machining cells to large mass production,
flexible manufacturing systems, and supply chain systems. ProModel is a
Windows based application with an intuitive graphical interface and
object-oriented modeling constructs that eliminate the need for programming.
It combines the flexibility of a general-purpose simulation language with the
convenience of a data-driven simulator. The ProModel Optimization Suite
includes an optimization tool called SimRunner that performs sophisticated
“what-if” analysis by running automatic factorial design of experiments on the
model, providing the best answer possible. This presentation provides an
overview of the ProModel Optimization Suite and presents its modeling,
analysis, and optimization capabilities.
Healthcare Simulation Modeling and Optimization Using
MedModel
Charles R. Harrell (Brigham Young University) and Rochelle
N. Price (PROMODEL Corporation)
Abstract:
MedModel was specifically designed to be simple to use
and tailorable to the needs of healthcare managers, engineers and clinicians.
As such, it provides a basis for the comprehensive evaluation of large,
complex problems which are representative of healthcare systems in general.
This paper serves as a preliminary examination of some of MedModel's
comprehensive features and capabilities. Independent arrivals and scheduled
appointments as well as new statements and functions have been carefully
designed to solve unique hospital and healthcare specific simulation problems.
The SDI Industry Product Suite: Simulation from the
Production Line to the Supply Chain
Richard A. Phelps, David J.
Parsons, and Andrew J. Siprelle (Simulation Dynamics, Inc.)
Abstract:
The SDI Industry Product Suite is a versatile,
high-level simulation toolset for solving problems of whole enterprises. It
adds important capabilities to an existing simulation package, Extend™, which
provides a robust simulation architecture and a wealth of existing building
blocks. The SDI Industry Product Suite contains 5 specific elements for
modeling the enterprise: SDI Database for high-speed data import/export; SDI
Industry for high-speed, high-volume production line modeling; SDI Plant
Builder for multi-stage plants driven by schedules; and Supply Chain Builder
for supply/distribution chains. Each of these elements can be built upon to
model everything from a single packline to a worldwide supply chain.
An Enterprise Modeling and Analysis
Toolkit
Dursun Delen and Perakath C. Benjamin (Knowledge Based
Systems, Inc.)
Abstract:
A fully integrated modeling and analysis toolkit, which
facilitates multi-perspective knowledge capturing, sharing and reusing, is
necessary for today's enterprises to meet the challenges of the ever more
competitive global market-place. In this paper we present a suite of software
tools, designed and developed by Knowledge Based Systems, Inc., that can
generate integrated solutions to complicated enterprise analysis including
business process reengineering, activity based costing, and training. We start
by providing a high level conceptual framework in which the individual tools
with their roles and interrelations are presented. We then introduce each tool
that make up the enterprise modeling and analysis toolkit in detail. The
tutorial focuses on the ease and the user friendliness of (1) capturing domain
knowledge into interchangeable multi-perspective models, (2) automatically
generating and executing stochastic and deterministic analysis models from
these multi-perspective models, and (3) publishing enterprise modeling and
analysis results on the web.
Driving Digital Manufacturing to
Reality
Robert G. Brown (DELMIA Corp.)
Abstract:
The goal of digital manufacturing is to provide the
manufacturing community with solutions to create, validate, monitor and
control agile, distributed manufacturing production systems geared towards
build-to-order and lean production. The scope of Digital Manufacturing has
evolved recently to include Computer Aided Process Planning (CAPP); Computer
Aided Production Engineering (CAPE); a Manufacturing Data Base which contains
product data, process data, manufacturing resources (PPR); generation of
executable programs for automation; the generation of work instructions for
workers on the shop floor and the feedback of manufacturing performance data
from the shop floor. Digital Manufacturing is a 3D computer environment that
has only become possible because the product data and tooling data are now
available in 3D CAD. This paper discusses the methodology of applying Digital
Manufacturing from the initial concept design phase of both product and
production processes, through detail design and validation, to both
implementation on the shop floor and the constant monitoring the shop floor
performance data to support continuous improvement activities. Because up to
60 percent of the value of automobiles and fighter aircraft are sourced from
suppliers, the Digital Manufacturing environment must be accessible across the
supply chain to support today's B2B method of doing business.
Eliminate Bottlenecks with Integrated Analysis Tools
in eM-Plant
Matthias U. Heinicke (Tecnomatix Technologies) and Alan
Hickman (Tecnomatix Consulting)
Abstract:
To build a realistic simulation model is all very well
- to add real value you must identify the major difficulties and generate
better alternatives. Tecnomatix Technologies, developers of eM-Plant, the
object oriented simulation tool for discrete event simulation, planning and
optimization of production and logistics, are the world leaders of the
e-Manufacturing market. eM-Plant is used across many industries from
manufacturers like BMW and DaimlerChrysler through shipyards to international
finance. Experience from all these areas inspired the development of analysis
and optimisation tools as an integral part of the simulation objects that
continuously monitor and evaluate the operation of each simulation object and
its interactions at a local and global level. Thus, for example, bottlenecks
in a material flow are automatically detected and Sankey diagrams generated.
This object based approach fits closely with the object-oriented nature of
eM-Plant that allows unprecedented accuracy and re-usability in simulation
modeling. These analysis tools work with global evaluation wizards which, for
example, make it simple to create specific Gantt-charts etc, and using Genetic
Algorithms modules the simulation system can even propose better layouts or
operating strategies.
Effective Real-Time Simulations of Event-Based
Systems
C. A. Rabbath, M. Abdoune, and J. Belanger (Opal-RT
Technologies Inc.)
Abstract:
This paper presents a set of novel tools that allow the
efficient simulation, at fixed time steps, of event-based dynamic systems. The
so-called RT-Events library is an innovative toolbox that can be used with the
SimulinkTM graphical software and that solves the following two problems
encountered in the simulations of event-based systems: (1) time consuming
variable-step algorithms; and (2) inaccurate real-time simulations with
fixed-step algorithms. One important application of the new RT-Events toolbox
is its capability to effectively simulate automotive systems as real-time,
hardware-in-the-loop systems. It is shown that the simulations performed with
the new tools are more efficient than the conventional algorithms. In
particular, the important problem of reset walk, which is inherent to the
classical fixed-step simulation of event-based systems, is explained and its
solution obtained with the use of the blocks of the new toolbox is
demonstrated. Numerical examples illustrate the effectiveness of the new
simulation tools.
Adding Animation to a Simulation Using
Proof™
James O. Henriksen (Wolverine Software Corporation)
Abstract:
Proof Animation™ is a family of products for adding
animation to discrete event simulations. Proof is available in a variety of
versions, including an inexpensive, student version, mid-size and
unlimited-size commercial versions, a run-time version, and a royalty-free,
redistributable demo viewer. Proof is an ASCII-stream-driven, general-purpose
animation system which runs on readily available PC hardware. Its vector-based
geometry provides a large animation canvas and the ability to zoom in or out,
while maintaining crisp, clear images. Proof includes built-in drawing tools
and CAD import/export for ease in creating animation layouts. Proof’s open
architecture makes it ideally suited for serving as a concurrent or
post-processed animation engine for models written in a wide variety of
simulation and programming languages. Proof’s superior power and performance
assure smooth, realistic motion for animations, regardless of their size,
complexity, or application. Proof uses Microsoft’s DirectDrawÔ interface for
accessing video hardware. DirectDraw is a built-in component of Windows 98,
NT4, and 2000, and it is available as an add-on for Windows 95. Proof is able
to exploit high-performance MMX hardware.