A taxonomy of visualization techniques for simulation in production and logistics

Simulation has become one of the most important techniques with regard to manufacturing and logistics systems. During modeling and experimenting simulation input and output data have to be presented to different target groups which range from simulation experts and factory planners to representatives of company management, and for different tasks and specific purposes. Different kinds of visualization techniques are used to present the simulation data, from static techniques as charts and layout plans to dynamic techniques as 2-D or 3-D animation as well as virtual or augmented reality. But often, non-expressive and non-effective visualizations prevent the understanding of simulation output. This paper presents a taxonomy of visualization techniques for simulation in production and logistics and outlines how to use this taxonomy as a base for decision support to select the right visualization technique for specific target groups.