SIMULATION-BASED DECISION SUPPORT FOR MANUFACTURING SYSTEM LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Previous research has highlighted the role of virtual engineering tools in the development of manufacturing machinery systems. Simulation models created for this purpose can potentially be used to provide support for other tasks, such as operational planning and service and maintenance. This requires that the simulation models can be fed with historic data as well as with snapshot data. Furthermore, the models must be able to communicate with other business software. The paper describes how simulation models can be used for operational production planning and for service and maintenance support. Benefits include a better possibility to verify production plans and the possibility to monitor and service manufacturing machinery from remote locations. Furthermore, the expanded and continuously updated models provide a good tool to study the effect of, for instance, planned new product introduction in existing manufacturing systems. The paper also presents directions for future research. One ambition is to add AI tools to the system so as to develop a semi-autonomous system for decision support.