A generic simulator for continuous flow manufacturing

The incorporation of concepts such as flexible manufacturing (FMS), computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM), just-in-time (JIT), and total quality control (TQC) in modern manufacturing environments render simulation modeling of such systems a complex and time consuming task. Continous flow manufacturing (CFM) is a manufacturing strategy that employs the above concepts. This paper describes a generic simulator for modeling CFM systems. The simulator allows the details of the system to be represented parametrically, following a "core" modeling approach to represent the manufacturing logic. The focus in developing the simulator has been to represent the complex phsical and operational characteristics of CFM systems in a realistic manner. In addition, quick and easy model development without involving repetitive programming for similar CFM systems has been an important consideration.