Generic simulation of automotive assembly for interoperability testing

Computer simulation is effective in improving the efficiency of manufacturing system design, operation, and maintenance. Most simulation models are usually tailored to address a narrow set of industrial issues, e.g., the introduction of a new product. If generic data-driven simulations could be developed they would be reusable for wider application including interoperability testing of standards for exchange of data across the supply chain in manufacturing. To facilitate future interoperability testing and training, scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology are currently developing distributed, integrated manufacturing simulations for automotive manufacturing. These simulations are being developed at four different levels: the supply chain, the assembly plant, the engineering systems, and the shop floor level. This paper describes the development of a simulation model of the final assembly plant. Future efforts will increase the versatility of the model, run it on neutral data and extend integration with supply chain simulation.