Simulation models for the management of materials flow in manufacturing systems: a case study

The aim of this paper is to discuss the potential for simulation models to become part of decision support tools for manufacturing decision makers, rather than just a tool for simulation experts. Simulation also has a part to play in data– and knowledge–based manufacturing control systems. To demonstrate how such a simulation–based materials flow control system might be developed, a case study of a painted automotive mirror production system is given. It should be noted that at present no work has been conducted to create such a decision support system (beyond the simulation itself), this paper shall simply explore the possibilities of developing such a system.