Component-Based Synthesis of Structural Variants of Simulation Models for Changeable Material Flow Systems

Despite relevant research endeavors, modeling efforts related to the building of discrete-event simulation models for planning changeable material flow systems still limit their practical application. This is because simulation experts have to model many possible structural variants and compare them based on key performance indicators such as throughput, workload or investment costs, while also ensuring sufficient system changeability. This article presents a methodology for reducing efforts for structural variation during the experimental phase of a simulation study. Starting from a valid initial simulation model, structural variants of this simulation model are automatically generated by applying component-based software synthesis which uses combinatorial logic; thereby, a range of simulation models is provided for the user. This paper presents the outlined methodology using a case study and places it in the research context of reducing efforts associated with the design and execution of simulation experiments.