The application of simulation technique in whole CIMS life cycle

The life cycle of CIMS (Computer Integrated Manufacturing System) includes four phases: requirement analyzing, designing, implementation and running. For reducing the risk of investment and achieving better economic results the simulation technique is needed in the above four phases of CIMS life cycle. Under the support of China 863 / CIMS plan a series of simulation projects are established. Some of them are finished with succeed and have been used in application. In this paper four simulation projects are introduced.(1) The Integrated Manufacturing Simulation Software (IMSS). It is an integrated platform, based on the discrete event simulation principle. It can be used to analyze and design CIMS, especially FMS, and evaluate the daily production plan.(2) The Advanced Hierarchical Control System Emulator (AHCSE), a software system, based on the finite state machine principle. It can be used to analyze and design of CIMS hierarchical control system, and check expanded system performance before expanding.(3) The Factory Scheduling Environment (FASE), a software system based on the discrete event simulation principle and artificial intelligence technology. It can be used for shop floor scheduling.(4) The Machining Process Simulator (MPS). It can simulate the machining process of machining center by computer. It can check the correctness of NC code (including interference and confliction) and replace the real machining center to support the simulation environment for shop floor scheduling and controlling. There are three companies and universities joining in these four projects, they are: Tsinghua University, Huazhong University of Technology, Beijing Institute of Computer Application and Simulation.