Multiple System Dynamics and Discrete Event Simulation for manufacturing system performance evaluation

Abstract In the paper two kind of simulation methods, i.e. system dynamics simulation (SDS) and discrete event simulation (DES), are proposed to simulate orders processing in a manufacturing enterprise. SDS model is applied to simulate non stationary (dynamic) behaviour of the system. This dynamic behaviour emerges from lack of automation (process variability) and complex structure of the system (feedback loops). SDS will be used for manual work. In SDS a productivity curve will be incorporated to see the influence of employees productivity on the manufacturing system. Additionally, in the simulation demand influences on number of workers involved in a manual process will be presented. SDS model is combined with DES model which will be used for work realized on the automatic machines. DES models will be used to simulate the operation of the manufacturing system with different scenarios. Proposed approach allows to evaluate overall performance of the manufacturing system for a selected product family.