Simplified approaches to modeling accumulating and nonaccumulating conveyor systems

ABSTRACT

In many systems (e.g., manufacturing systems), transportation of work-in-process is accomplished by the use of conveyors. The modeling of objects as they move along conveyors is logically demanding, especially if an object-by-object, inch-by-inch approach is taken. Two alternative and substantially simplified modeling approaches for representing movement of objects on conveyors are presented in this paper: the “minimum travel time” approach is appropriate for accumulating conveyors, and the “follow-the-leader” approach is of use in modeling nonaccumulating conveyors. These modeling approaches are presented in language-independent fashion. The application of the approaches is illustrated through a series of four hypothetical conveyor systems and several variations on them. Models for these conveyor systems are built, implemented in GPSS/H, displayed, and discussed. In a series of exercises, the reader is challenged to build and implement models for these same conveyor systems in whatever alternative simulation language(s) may be of interest.

REFERENCES

• 1: P. A. Bobillier , B. C. Kahn , R. A. Probst, Simulation with GPSS and Gpssv, Prentice Hall Professional Technical Reference, 1976
• 2: Geoffrey Gordon, Application of GPSS Five to Discrete System Simulation, Prentice Hall PTR, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 1975
• 3: James O. Henriksen, GPSS - finding the appropriate world-view, Proceedings of the 13th conference on Winter simulation, p.505-516, December 09-11, 1981, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
• 4: James O. Henriksen, You can't beat the clock: studies in problem solving, Proceedings of the 18th conference on Winter simulation, p.713-726, December 08-10, 1986, Washington, D.C., United States [doi>10.1145/318242.318514]
• 5: Henriksen, J. 0., and Crain, R. C. (1986). GPSS/H User's Manual, 3rd ed. Wolverine Software Corporation, Annandale, Virginia.
• 6: Thomas J. Schriber, Simulation Using GPSS, Krieger Publishing Co., Inc., Melbourne, FL, 1990
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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  J. Computer Applications
  J.1 ADMINISTRATIVE DATA PROCESSING
      Subjects: Manufacturing

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

  J. Computer Applications

General Terms:
Design, Management, Measurement, Performance, Theory