WSC 2002 Final Abstracts

A Framework for Standard Modular Simulation
Charles McLean and Swee Leong (National Institute of Standards and Technology)

Abstract:
The primary reason for building manufacturing simulations is to provide support tools that aid the manufacturing decision-making process. Simulations are typically a part of a case study commissioned by manufacturing management to address a particular set of problems. The objectives of the case study determine the types of simulation models, input data, and output data that are required. Neutral model libraries and interface data standards could simplify the simulation analyst’s job and significantly improve the simulation case study process. This paper describes a proposed framework for simulation standards development. The framework is comprised of four major component elements: 1) industry sector, 2) hierarchical level of the manufacturing organization, system, or process, 3) simulation case study area, and 4) manufacturing model and data types.

Proposed Standard Processes for Certification of Modeling and Simulation Applications
Osman Balci (Virginia Tech) and Said D. Saadi (Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division)

Abstract:
Certification of modeling and simulation (M&S) applications is becoming more commonly practiced as M&S applications are used more and more for military training, analysis, complex system design evaluation, M&S-based acquisition, problem solving, and critical decision making. Certification is a very complex process, involves the measurement and evaluation of hundreds of qualitative and quantitative elements, mandates subject matter expert evaluation, and requires the integration of disparate measurements and evaluations. Planning, managing, and conducting such measurements and evaluations require structured standard processes and should not be performed in an ad hoc manner. The need for standard processes for unbiased, fair, cost effective, and consistent M&S certification is undeniable. This paper presents a scheme for practicing M&S accreditation and certification and proposes standard M&S certification processes.

The Simulation Professional Certification Program: A Status Report
Ralph Rogers (Old Dominion University) and Vince Amico and Mark Yerkes (University of Central Florida)

Abstract:
Under the auspices of the National Training Systems Association, a program was developed to establish organizations and processes whereby professional certification for the modeling and simulation industry may be conducted in a consistent and dependable way. The Modeling and Simulation Professional Certification Commission (MSPCC) was envisioned with the mission to develop and provide the professional certification. The Implementation Group was formed to define and implement the MSPCC and establish the Modeling and Simulation Professional Certification Board (MSPCB), an element of the Commission. This paper provides a status report on the efforts of the Commission and the Board to establish and certification program for modeling and simulation professionals.

The Current and Future Status of Simulation Software (Panel)
Robert Diamond (Imagine That, Inc.), Charles R. Harrell (PROMODEL Corporation), James O. Henriksen (Wolverine Software Corporation), William B. Nordgren (Flexsim Software Products, Inc.), C. Dennis Pegden (Rockwell Software), Matthew W. Rohrer (Brooks-PRI Automation), Anthony P. Waller (Lanner Group) and Averill M. Law (Averill M. Law & Associates, Inc.)

Abstract:
In this panel, principal members of seven leading simulation software companies discuss two important questions concerning the current and future status of simulation software.

What’s Virtually Possible?
Wayne J. Davis (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)

Abstract:
This paper continues a sequence of papers discussing futuristic simulation needs and capabilities. These papers focus upon complex systems that evolve by the concurrent execution of processing tasks under the guidance of sophisticated control structures. This paper first provides a detailed state description for such systems from both the perspective of the entities that are being processed in the system and the controllers that manage the task execution. The interrelationship between these two perspectives is next explored. The paper demonstrates the entity-based perspective mainly focuses upon the events that have or should occur in the physical world. The controllers manage when these events will occur by characterizing the feasible alternatives that exist for executing their assigned tasks within a virtual world of future responses.

Panel Session: Opportunities for Simulation in Supply Chain Management
Jerry Banks (Independent Consultant), Steve Buckley (IBM Research), Sanjay Jain (Virginia Tech), Peter Lendermann (Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology) and Mani Manivannan (Vector SCM)

Abstract:
It has become a matter of survival that many companies improve their supply chain efficiency. This presents an opportunity for simulation. However, there are many challenges that must be overcome for simulation to be a contributor to play an effective role. Four contributors discuss the opportunities that they see for simulation to play a meaningful role in the area of supply chain management.

The Extended Use of Simulation in Evaluating Real-Time Control Systems of AGVs and Automated Material Handling Systems
Corné Versteegt and Alexander Verbraeck (Delft University of Technology)

Abstract:
Control systems for logistic and transport systems are among the most complex control systems in existence. Currently control systems are only fully tested at the shop floor after commissioning. This means a lot of costly failures occur at the startup stages of control systems. The goal of this paper is to describe the extended role that simulation can play in evaluating of fully automated logistic systems and their control systems before commissioning. We followed a three-step approach in evaluating both logistic and logistic control systems. A simulated control system was used to control simulated, emulated, and real prototypes of logistic resources. Three different simulation packages have been used; Simple++, AutoMod, Arena. The control system was implemented in all three simulation packages to control logistic resources at the Connekt TestSite. The TestSite is a special laboratory for testing new technologies in logistic automation.

Implementation of a Simulation-Based Control Architecture for Supply Chain Interactions
Sreeram Ramakrishnan, Seungyub Lee, and Richard A. Wysk (Pennsylvania State University)

Abstract:
Techniques based on discrete-event simulation have been widely used for network analysis and policy optimization in the domain of supply chain management. Previous researchers have developed and implemented architectures for simulation-based control for shop floor. A more detailed and high-fidelity simulation model is used for control purposes as opposed to that used for analytical purposes alone. This paper discusses the issues related to implementing a simulation based control architecture for actively controlling supply chain interactions.

The Possible Role of a Backbone Architecture in Real-Time Control and Emulation
Csaba Attila Boer (Erasmus University Rotterdam) and Alexander Verbraeck and Hans P.M. Veeke (Delft University of Technology)

Abstract:
The complexity of technical systems that need to be designed and researched is gradually increasing. In order to be competitive and to satisfy the demands of the market, thorough analyses and early risk assessment of the systems are required. System investigation might involve some changes that might entail the redesigning or even redeveloping of some parts of the system. Modifications are usually expensive, time consuming and risky. Consequently, there is a need for methods that examine the possible effects of the modifications before investing in the alteration of the system. There are four methods that are used to study the behavior of a system: simulation, emulation, real-time control and prototyping. In this paper we discuss an approach for a distributed architecture that supports these four testing methods and the interaction between them.

The Relationship between Simulation and Emulation
Ian McGregor (Brooks-PRI Automation, Inc.)

Abstract:
This paper aims to explain how simulation and emulation are interrelated, and why they are of benefit to Automatic Material Handling Systems (AMHS) projects at different times and in different ways. More specifically, the paper documents current thinking on the use of simulation models to provide feedback to industrial control systems in order to test their logical operation prior to commissioning. The concept of what is meant by emulation in this context is defined, and the differences and similarities between emulation and simulation are detailed. Several emulation case studies are described to illustrate the use of a simulation model in this domain, and an overview of the technical background to emulation is included to aid understanding of how this is achieved. The paper concludes with a discussion of where emulation is most usefully applicable, how current standards have allowed its ready adoption to date, and possible areas of future development.

Improving the Quality of Controls and Reducing Costs for On-Site Adjustments with Emulation: An Example of Emulation in Baggage Handling
William Rengelink (TBA Nederland) and Yvo A. Saanen (Delft University of Technology)

Abstract:
Extending or changing systems that are in operation 24/7 should disturb the operation as little as possible. Therefore, the extensions or changes should have been thoroughly tested in advance under conditions comparable to operational conditions. Baggage handling systems is typically an area to which these requirements apply. Control software is one of the main components for baggage handling systems, at high and low level. Software is often the reason for system failure. Therefore, a need exists for tools that support testing without involving the real equipment on site. By using a simulation environment for emulating baggage handling equipment it was possible to test the low level control software without involving any real baggage handling equipment. The simulation environment enabled detailed tests and provided insight into the behaviour of the PLC for our client. This approach saved significant lead time in the project and reduced the required time for testing on-site.