Modeling a bulk manufacturing system using Extend

ABSTRACT

While simulation is readily used for traditional "pieces/parts" manufacturing problems, it is also highly effective in solving problems in the world of bulk (dry) product or fluid manufacture. The nature of bulk or fluid manufacturing problems calls for a unique simulation architecture which is adaptable to many different applications. This paper shows how the simulation package Extend by Imagine That, Inc. of San Jose CA can be used to address such problems. A model of a soap manufacturing operation illustrates the use of this approach for determining the operational impact of expansion projects requiring significant capital while also allowing the user to determine optimum schedules for plant operation. In the long term, the model will likely be used on an ongoing basis to analyze production sequences.

REFERENCES

• 1: Bob Diamond, Extend: a library-based, hierarchical, multi-domain modeling system, Proceedings of the 25th conference on Winter simulation, p.240-248, December 12-15, 1993, Los Angeles, California, United States [doi>10.1145/256563.256640]
• 2: David Krahl, An introduction to Extend, Proceedings of the 26th conference on Winter simulation, p.538-545, December 11-14, 1994, Orlando, Florida, United States

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.6 SIMULATION AND MODELING

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.4 INFORMATION SYSTEMS APPLICATIONS
      H.4.2 Types of Systems
          Subjects: Decision support (e.g., MIS)
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)
          Subjects: Theory and methods

General Terms:
Design, Theory