Discrete Event Simulation -present situation and future potential

Licentiate thesis, 2002

This thesis focuses on Discrete Event Simulation as a time saver, applied to manufacturing industries in order to increase performance, productivity, and profitability throughout their conducted processes. The thesis provides a base for implementation and more effective use of Discrete Event Simulation in manufacturing systems by applying Discrete Event Simulation technology through an overall performance aspect. A top view of the technology is achieved, including the situation in industries today, through case studies and literature studies and concluding with a future approach on the use of Discrete Event Simulation. The future approach consists of: Firstly, a framework is presented to set the scene when to use Discrete Event Simulation. Secondly, a methodology is proposed to shed light upon how to conduct a Discrete Event Simulation project. Thirdly, Discrete Event Simulation software for shorter and less complex problems is presented, to enable production engineers to become Discrete Event Simulation users. Fourthly, a description on how Discrete Event Simulation can be used to create ORDER and to structure the data, information, and knowledge of the processes in manufacturing systems. The results of the research shows that genuine production-engineering knowledge is an irreplaceable source, essential for achieving maximum competitive advantages and enabling performance-increasing activities to be successful. Structured and correct data and information are needed for DES projects to become as powerful as they can be. However, structured and correct data and information are needed anyway for any process, which is a subject for improvement.