Adaptive Modelling for Dynamic Manufacturing Needs

This work is based on research conducted during the first year of a PhD program at Queens University Belfast, the ultimate aim of which is to develop and demonstrate the use of simulation technology to design and quantify the real-time self-adapting production control. In this paper a preliminary methodology is presented addressing the question of how the production system should adapt to external expectations. The method is proposed and justified using two industrial cases based on typical DES applications for the optimisation of production environments. Conclusions to date include the fact that although current simulation practice provides satisfactory outcomes in relation to targeted questions around traditional factory setups, significant potential exists for self-adapting simulation methods which align with flexible / automated systems which are becoming more prevalent in the manufacturing domain.